^■i-*- 


^      >' ^  _ 


LIBRA.RY 

OF  THE 

Theological   Seminary, 

PRINCETON,    N.  J. 

IP^^""'    ^filliam]    1790. 
sue         -I-  o  6  5  . 


VALUABLE  WORKS 

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James's  Family  Monitor. 
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Jones's  Book  of  Nature. 

on  the  I'rinity . 

on  the  Church. 
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Jouett's  Researches  in  Asia. 
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TRIBUTE  OF  SYMPATHY, 

ADDRESSED   TO 

MOURNERS. 

BY    W.   NEWNHAM,    ESQ. 


What  sorrow  was,  thou  bad'st  him  know : 

And  from  his  own,  he  learn'd  to  melt  at  other's  wo. 

Gray's  Odt  to  Adversity. 

Happy  the  man  who  sees  a  God  employed 
In  all  the  good  and  ill  that  chequer  life ; 
Resolving  all  events,  with  their  etfects 
And  manifold  results,  into  the  will 
And  arbitration  wise  of  the  Supreme. 

COWPER- 


First  American,  from  the  Sixth  London  Edition. 


NEW- YORK: 

PUBLISHED  BY  SWORDS,  STANFORD,  AND  CO. 

No.  152  Broadway. 

1832. 


NEW-YORK  : 

PRINTED  BY  EDWARD  J.  SW0RD5, 

No.  8  Tlianits-sirt^t. 


PREFACE. 


When  an  Author  ventures  to  communicate  his  reflec- 
tions to  the  Public,  it  is  surely  required  of  him,  that 
he  at  least  should  be  convinced  of  the  necessity  as 
well  as  the  value  of  what  he  has  to  offer.  Candour 
demands  that  he  should  be  actuated  by  no  sinister  or 
unworthy  motive ;  but  that  the  governing  principle  of 
his  conduct  should  be  a  simple  desire  to  convey  in- 
struction or  amusement  to  mankind  at  large.  And 
when  he  ventures  to  select  the  same  field  of  moral 
observation  and  inquiry  that  others  have  previously 
chosen  ;  when  he  professes  to  believe  there  yet  remain 
many  beauties  unexplored  in  the  same  tract,  and  in- 
dulges the  hope  that  he  can  throw  a  new  and  more 
pleasing  light  on  truths  which  others  have  investigated 
before  him ;  it  is  justly  asked  on  what  ground  he  rests 
his  claim  to  public  attention,  and  why  he  conceives  it 
necessary  to  add  another  to  the  countless  muhitude  of 
ephemeral  productions. 


IV  PREFACE. 

To  the  question,  why  the  author  has  resolved  on 
publishing  his  sentiments,  he  would  briefly  reply,  that 
his  determination  has  arisen  from  the  firm  conviction 
that  such  a  work  was  still  a  desideratum  to  the  mourner. 
Sustaining  this  character  himself,  by  the  removal  of  his 
nearest  and  dearest  relatives,  he  was  induced,  in  his 
hours  of  solitude,  to  seek  that  sympathy,  instruction, 
and  support,  which  his  situation  required,  from  the  pen 
of  those  who  had  written  professedly  on  the  subject. 
It  is  true,  that  much  which  is  kind,  and  useful,  and 
excellent,  is  to  be  found  in  these  little  books ;  but  it  is 
equally  true,  (at  least  so  it  proved  in  his  own  case,) 
that  no  one,  nor  indeed  all  combined,  are  exactly 
suited  to  the  wants  and  fears,  the  cares  and  sorrows, 
of  the  genuine  mourner.  He  would  desire  fully  to 
appreciate  the  valuable  labours  of  those  who  have 
preceded  him,  but  still  he  would  consider  "  A  Tribute 
of  Sympathy,  addressed  to  Mourners,^'  as  desirable; 
and  with  parental  fondness  he  would  conceive  the 
present  little  work  calculated,  in  some  measure,  to 
supply  the  existing  deficiency. 

During  a  season  of  sorrow  the  mind  is  softened,  and 
prepared  to  receive  the  instruction  which  may  be 
derived  from  its  present  circumstances.  But  to  gain 
access  to  the  heart,  to  engage  the  attention,  and  awaken 
the  judgment  to  the  arduous  duties  which  the  afflicted 
are  invited  to  perform,  it  is  necessary  that  their  sorrows 


PREFAeE.  V 

should  be  soothed,  that  their  anguish  should  be  re- 
spected,   their   feelings    participated,   their    anxieties 
allayed,  and  their  distress  alleviated.    The  eye  suffused 
with  tears  is  incapable  of  perusing  and  deriving  ad- 
vantage from  the  intrinsically  excellent,  but  frigid  de- 
clamations of  the  uninterested  observer.    The  wounded 
heart  must  be  healed,  and  the  tearful  eye  must  first  be 
dried,  by  the  tenderest  sympathy,  ere  it  can  attend  to 
the  lessons  of  instruction.     The  troubled   bosom  must 
be  calmed,  before  it  can  be  animated  with  the  genial 
glow  of  resignation  to  the  will  of  God,  or  be  enabled 
to  appropriate  the  inaportant  truths  conveyed  in  this 
gloomy  and  mysterious  providence ;  before  it  can  ap- 
preciate  the   duties  connected  with   its  situation,  or 
realize  the  prospects  of  mercy  and  comfort  with  which 
it  is  surrounded.     And  since  the  mind>  oppressed  with 
care,    will   very   soon    become   fatigued    with   simple 
argumentative  disquisitions,    in   which,   oftentimes,   it 
can  scarcely  feel  an   interest;    it  is  devoutly  to   be 
wished,  that  truth  should  be  conveyed  in  a  style  so 
pleasing  and  so  chaste  as  to  engage  the  understanding, 
while  it  wins  its  way  to  the  heart.     And  though  the 
author  laments  most  sincerely  that  his  situation,  and 
constant  professional  engagements,  disqualify  him  for 
the  task  of  gratifying  the  refined  taste  of  individuals, 
who  may  possibly  honour  him  with  a  perusal  of  his 
work;    yet  he  trusts  that   he  has  in  some  measure 
1* 


VI  PREFACE. 

succeeded   in  gaining  a  readier   access  to  the  heart, 
and  in  preparing  it  for  the  reception  of  truths  which, 
in  another  form,  might  have  been  probably  overlooked. 
The  circumstances  of  the  mourner  acquire  a  peculiar 
claim  upon  our  tenderest  regards.     We  are  accustomed 
to  feel  compassion  for  every  case  of  distress,  and  the 
hand  of  benevolence   is  readily  outstretched  for  the 
relief  of  the  indigent  and  the  suffering  poor.     The  sick 
and  the  miserable  demand  our  attention,  and  all  those 
comforts  which  a  kind  Providence  has  enabled  us  to 
bestow.     Yet  the  mourner,  in  a  much  higher  degree, 
is  entitled  to  our  sympathy.     He  has  lost,  perhaps, 
the  friend  in  whom  centered  all  his  plans  of  earthly 
happiness,  his  every  prospect  is  clouded  by  the  gloom 
of  desertion  and  despair,  hope  has  abandoned  a  heart 
already  overwhelmed  with  grief,  and  there  is  none  to 
comfort  him.     If,  then,  we  can  be  interested  by  the 
tale  of  human  wo,  if  we  can  be  animated  with  the 
liveliest  sympathy  towards  those  whose  distress  results 
simply  from   present   and   bodily  privation ;    can  we 
refuse  to  drop  the  tear  of  pity  over  the  mental  sufferer ; 
can  we  withhold  our  exertions  to   impart  relief,  or 
conceive  an  object  more  worthy  of  our  active  benefi- 
cence?    Hence  it  will  be  acknowledged,  that  every 
attempt  to  alleviate   the  sorrows  of  the  afflicted,   to 
administer  comfort  to  the  mourner,  and  lead  him  to 
the  only  source  of  solid  peace,  is  entitled,  in  so  far  as 


PREFACE.  VU 

it  accomplishes  this  object,  to  be  received  with  indul- 
gence. 

Such,  indeed,  has  been  the  exclusive  design  of  the 
author,  in  offering  to  other  mourners  those  considera- 
tions which  served  to  calm  his  own  mind,  those  bright- 
ening prospects  which  led  him  forward  to  the  glorious 
realities  of  an  infinite  and  eternal  world,  and  those 
reflections  which,  he  trusts,  had  a  tendency  to  animate 
him  to  the  love  and  service  of  God.  In  presenting  his 
thoughts  to  the  public,  he  has  no  interest  to  serve,  no 
party  views  to  promote,  no  favourite  dogmas  to  en- 
force ;  his  simple  view  is  to  administer  consolation  to 
the  afflicted,  and  to  lead  them  to  make  a  proper 
improvement  of  their  sorrows.  If  he  has  failed  in 
accomplishing  this  object,  it  has  not  been  from  want 
of  sincerity,  of  earnest  desire,  or  of  as  great  a  devot- 
edness  to  the  pursuit,  as  his  professional  engagements 
would  admit,  but  from  incapacity. 

How  far  the  present  little  work  fulfils  these  inten- 
tions, must  be  left  to  the  decision  of  an  impartial 
censor :  if  the  author  must  relinquish  the  attainment 
of  the  good  he  has  designed,  he  will  still  enjoy  the 
satisfaction  of  having  attempted  what  he  conceived  to 
be  necessary,  and  if  he  shall  have  so  far  succeeded,  as 
to  administer  to  the  comfort  and  improvement  of  such 
as  are  called  to  mourn  for  those  who  are  translated 
from  earth  to  heaven ;   if  he  may  have  the  happiness 


Vlll  PREFACE. 

to  smooth  the  thorny  pillow,  to  still  the  troubled  bosom, 
to  elevate  the  heart  to  God,  and  lead  it  to  the  only 
fountain  of  peace  and  consolation ;  then  will  he  indeed 
rejoice  in  the  delightful  task  he  has  undertaken,  then 
will  he  render  thanksgiving  and  praise  to  the  gracious 
Hand  which  visited  him  with  suffering,  in  order  to 
prepare  him  for  this  labour  of  love.  He  now  desires 
to  leave  his  little  work  in  the  hands  of  Him  who  alone 
can  bless  it;  imploring,  with  humble  fervency,  that  an 
Almighty  Father  would  be  graciously  pleased  to  smile 
on  this  feeble  attempt  to  promote  the  honour  of  his 
name  and  the  glory  of  his  kingdom:  and  that  He 
would  render  it  instrumental  in  cheering  and  supporting 
the  weary  and  the  sorrowing,  and  in  leading  them  to 
himself,  as  the  only  source  of  comfort.  That  those 
heart-broken  mourners  into  whose  hands  this  little 
Treatise  shall  fall,  may  share  in  the  consolations  of  the 
Spirit  of  Grace,  prays,  with  sincerest  desire, 
Their  obedient  Servant, 

THE  AUTHOR. 
Farnham,  Ajjril  26,  1817. 


PREFACE 


FOURTH    EDITION, 


In  presenting  to  the  Public  a  Fourth  Edition  of  the 
Tribute  of  Sympathy,  the  author  has  only  to  express 
his  unfeigned  gratitude  to  Almighty  God,  for  the  many 
testimonies  he  has  received  of  the  efficacy  of  his  little 
work  in  administering  consolation  to  the  mourner ;  and 
to' add,  that  having  carefully  revised  it,  previously  to 
its  going  to  the  press,  he  hopes  he  shall  have  rendered 
the  present  edition  more  acceptable  to  his  readers, 

Famham,  1824. 


CONTENTS, 


CHAPTER  I. 
On  the  Indulgence  of  Grief 

Page 

.     13 

CHAPTER  II. 

On  the  Moderation  of  Grief 

.     25 

CHAPTER  m. 

On  Excessive  Sorrow 

.    35 

CHAPTER  IV. 

On  the  Advantages  of  Sorrow    . 

.     53 

CHAPTER  V. 

On  Self-Examination 

.     85 

CHAPTER  VI. 

On  the  Duty  of  Resignation 

.  119 

CHAPTER  VH. 

On  the  Sources  of  Consolation   . 

.  162 

TRIBUTE  OF  SYMPATHY, 


CHAPTER  I. 

ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

ii>F  all  the  varied  emotions  of  which  the  human 
}nind  is  susceptible,  that  arising  from  the  exer- 
cise of  sympathy,  or  the  capacity  for  suffering, 
in  ourselves,  the  cares  and  sorrows  of  those 
around  us,  is  perhaps  at  once  the  most  engaging 
and  the  most  extensively  useful.  When  once 
excited,  the  heart  is  expanded  to  the  full  opera- 
tion of  the  benevolent  affections,  and  the  most 
self-denying  sacrifices  are  cheerfully  made,  in 
order  to  secure  the  happiness  of  its  object.  The 
high  excitement  of  feeling  occasioned  by  the 
exercise  of  this  principle,  is  in  itself  so  large  a 
source  of  present  pleasure,  that  we  sometimes 
meet  with  individuals  who  glaringly  obtrude 
their  claims  to  its  possession ;  but  with  whom  it 
is  an  ineffective  stimulus  to  action,  administerino- 
2 


14     ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

simply  to  their  own  gratification,  and  diverted 
from  the  obvious  design  for  which  it  was  im- 
planted in  the  human  breast,  viz.  the  alleviation 
of  the  sufferings  of  humanity. 

Notwithstanding  the  powerful  influence  of 
envy,  in  narrow  ing  the  circle  of  social  kindness, 
yet,  when  this  principle  does  not  actively  pre- 
dominate, it  is  not  difficult  to  joy  with  those  who 
rejoice;  and  that  heart  must  be  cold  indeed, 
which,  in  contemplating  the  happiness  of  others, 
does  not  experience  a  kindred  glow  of  satisfac- 
tion, which  does  not  secretly  indulge  a  hope^ 
that  the  present  scene  of  pleasure  may  be  long 
secured  from  the  wintry  air  of  affliction.  But 
to  participate  the  sorrow  of  friends,  and  truly 
to  sympathize  with  their  suffering,  involves  not 
only  a  present  emotion  of  disinterested  benevo- 
lence, but  a  long  train  of  active  duties.  Real 
sympathy  will  never  rest  satisfied  with  ineffective 
good  wishes,  or  the  common  routine  of  polite 
and  unmeaning  profession;  but  it  will  seek  to 
share  the  burden  which  it  is  unable  to  remove ; 
it  will  enter  into  the  feelings  of  the  sufferer,  and 
if  it  cannot  dissipate  the  gloom  with  which  the 
death  of  a  beloved  object  has  enveloped  his 
every  prospect,  yet  will  it  strive  to  illuminate 
the  dark  and  silent  hours  of  solitude  and  grief, 
by  pouring  in  upon  the  mind  the  balmy  ray  of 
heavenly  consolation,  with  which  even  the  niffht 


Ox\  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF.  15 

of  desertion  may  be  cheered.  They  who  have 
suffered  affliction,  must  have  experienced  the 
rehef  obtained  by  the  participation  of  their  sor- 
rows, and  will  readily  acknowledge  the  powerful 
influence  of  the  affectionate  voice  of  friendship, 
in  exhibiting  the  sources  of  their  consolation, 
soothing  their  aching  hearts,  moderating  their 
boundless  grief,  and  elevating  their  thoughts 
and  desires  to  that  kingdom  whither  their  dearest 
friend  has  gone  before  them,  and  is  now  enjoying 
the  perfect  felicities  of  that  rest  whence  every 
tear  is  eternally  banished. 

It  is  to  this  office  that  the  friend  who  now 
addresses  you  would  aspire.  Like  yourself,  he 
has  been  visited  with  great  distress ;  he  has  felt 
the  want  and  has  experienced  the  worth  of  a 
kind  friend  to  whom  he  could  confide  his  feelings ; 
particularly  in  those  seasons  of  solitude  and 
seclusion  which  are  so  earnestly  desired  by  the 
mourner ;  but  in  which  the  mind,  left  to  prey 
upon  itself,  is  too  apt  to  indulge  its  propensity 
to  dwell  on  all  the  aggravating  circumstances  of 
the  present  affliction,  rather  than  on  the  came 
which  has  rendered  it  necessary,  the  hand  which 
has  inflicted  it,  the  design  with  which  it  is  sent, 
or  the  blessing  with  which  it  is  encompassed. 
And  although  the  voice  of  sympathy  may  be 
removed  from  him  for  a  short  time  only,  yet  he 
finds  that  he  requires  its  welcome  accents  to  be 


16  ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OP  GRIEF^ 

perpetually  reiterated  in  his  ears,  and  its  valuable 
consolations  to  be  ever  before  his  eyes.  He 
needs  the  frequent  repetition  of  the  same  cheer- 
ing truths,  to  preserve  him  from  sinking  into 
despondency ;  and  a  constant  review  of  the  same 
alleviating  circumstances,  the  same  motives  to 
resignation,  the  same  enlivening  promises,  the 
same  animating  prospects. 

It  is  to  remove  this  deficiency  in  the  hour  of 
solitude,  that  the  present  address  is  undertaken. 
Sympathy  alone  has  induced  the  author  to  per- 
sonate the  character  he  has  drawn.  He  has 
been  the  possessor  of  peace  and  joy  for  a  short 
time,  even  in  this  world  of  wo.  He  has  had 
every  wish  of  his  heart  gratified.  He  has  proudly 
contented  himself  with  his  domestic  happiness, 
equally  careless  of  the  little  troubles  and  vexa- 
tions of  the  day,  as  of  that  beneficent  hand 
which  made  his  cup  to  run  over  with  blessings. 
But  he  has  been  taught  the  vanity  of  reposing 
his  hopes  in  the  creature.  A  husband  and  a 
father,  death  has  deprived  him  of  every  earthly 
comfort.  One  short  month  has  witnessed  the 
dissipation  of  his  prospects,  which  he  had 
lengthened  out  to  an  almost  indefinite  period. 
He  has  been  called  to  mourn  his  folly  and  his 
loss,  and  has  been  left  alone  on  this  wilderness 
world,  in  order  that  he  may  learn,  by  dearly 
bought  experience,  the  insufficiency  of  earthly 


ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF.  17 

pleasures,  the  instability  of  present  scenes  of 
comfort,  and  the  perfect  sufficiency  of  the  Bible 
to  afford  peace  and  consolation  to  the  agitated 
mourner.  He  has  found  that  the  greatest  afflic- 
tions convey  the  most  instructive  lessons  of 
happiness,  by  demonstrating  the  real  nature  of 
the  objects  on  which  man  places  his  dependence; 
and  he  hopes  that  the  following  observations 
may  prove  as  cheering  to  others,  as  they  were 
productive  of  serenity  to  himself. 

Yes,  my  dear  friend,  1  venture  to  break  in 
upon  your  solitude  with  "  A  Tribute  of  Sympa- 
thy."     Nor   would   I    interrupt   your   grief:    I 
would  weep  with   those   that   weep ;    I   would 
mingle   my  tears   with  yours,    and   during  the 
first  transports  of  sorrow,  I  would  only  seek  to 
participate  the  agonizing  feelings  which  over- 
whelm you.     Perhaps  you   are  mourning  over 
the  decease  of  an  aged   parent,  the  guardian 
and   the   guide   of  your   youth,    and   the   fond 
counsellor  of  your   maturity.     Or,    death  may 
have  made  its  first  inroad  on  the  family  circle, 
by  snatching  away  a  brother  or  a  sister;    and 
you  nic^y  have  been  called  to  resign  this  endeared 
relative,  at  an  age  when  fraternal  afi'ection  had 
been  confirmed  by  the  award  of  judgment,  when 
the  varied  excellencies  of  the   character  were 
fully  expanded,   and  had  proved   it  worthy  of 
your  highest  esteem.     Your   heart  may  have 


18  ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

been  called  to  bleed  over  the  removal  of  a 
beloved  child,  the  development  of  vs^hose  dawn- 
ing faculties  you  had  carefully  watched,  and 
whom  you  were  anxiously  training  up  in  the 
admonition  of  the  Lord,  and  thus  preparing  for 
activity  in  his  service.  Or,  to  complete  the 
climax  of  human  wo,  you  may  be  inconsolable 
for  the  loss  of  a  fond  husband,  or  an  affectionate 
wife,  one  with  whom  you  had  enjoyed  many 
hours  of  happiness ;  the  partner  of  your  cares 
and  joys,  your  dearest  constant  companion,  and 
your  best  friend.  You  are  mourning  a  loss 
which  is  severe  indeed,  a  loss  which  is  irrepara- 
ble, and  for  which,  too,  you  were  pirobably  un- 
prepared. The  stroke  may  have  been  sudden ; 
a  few  days,  or  perhaps  even  a  few  hours,  may 
have  dispelled  the  enchanting  prospect  which 
was  before  you,  and  of  which  you  had  just  hoped 
to  realize  the  pleasing  illusions. 

You  arc  unexpectedly  removed  from  the 
summit  of  human  happiness,  to  the  abyss  of 
human  wo.  And  shall  the  silent  eloquence  of 
grief  be  denied  you?  Shall  a  measured  and 
philosophical  sorrow  be  alone  permitted  ?  Shall 
these  affecting  appeals  be  made  to  the  tenderest 
sensibilities  of  your  nature;  and  shall  the  ex- 
pression of  suffering  be  contracted  within  limits, 
to  be  defined  by  the  eye  of  the  moralist,  during 
a  moment  of  cahn  self-complacency? — No;  the 


ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF.  19 

heart  knoweth  its  own  bitterness :  nor  can  the 
individual  who  is  only  theoretically  acquainted 
with  sorrow,  legishite  the  thoughts,  the  feehngs, 
and  the  actions  of  him  who  is  indeed  afflicted. 

Christianity  does  not  require  this  unnatural 
restraint ;  but  distinctly  teaches,  that  affliction 
for  the  present  "  is  not  joyous,  but  grievous." 
The  silent  apathy  of  the  stoic  is  perfectly  incon- 
sistent with  the  exercise  of  Christian  fortitude. 
The  heartless  obedience  of  the  unfeeling  differs 
most  essentially  from  the  resignation  of  the 
feeble  but  sincere  Christian.  It  is  no  argument 
in  favour  of  the  possession  and  influence  of 
Christian  principle,  to  hear  ivith  submission  losses 
and  suffering  which  we  do  not  feel.  This  indeed 
evinces  only  culpable  indifference  to  the  events  of 
God's  providence,  and  to  the  particular  design 
with  which  He  has  seen  fit  to  correct  us :  it  is  the 
off'spring  of  carelessness  and  contempt,  rather 
than  the  expression  of  resignation.  It  is  pro- 
voking the  anger  of  a  righteous  God,  by  refusing 
to  listen  to  His  voice,  who  speaks  more  power- 
fully and  energetically  to  the  heart  through  the 
medium  of  affliction,  than  man  can  do,  by  all  the 
fowers  of  abstract  reasoning.  It  is  incurring  the 
judgment  denounced  against  those  *'  who  have 
not  grieved,"  when  jEZe  had  afflicted  them — "  who 
have  refused  to  receive  correction,"  when  He 
had  consumed  them — "  who  have  made  their 


20  ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

faces  harder  than  a  rock,  and  have  refused  to 
return."* 

Since,  then,  insensibility  to  the  chastening 
hand  of  God  is  so  clearly  pointed  out  as  displeas- 
ing to  Him^  it  surely  follows,  that  to  feel  most 
sensibly  the  wound  He  has  inflicted,  and  to  ex- 
press that  feeling,  is  not  improper  in  itself,  though 
it  may  become  so  when  excessive  in  degree. 
Weep  on  then,  my  dear  friend;  indulge  your 
sorrow ;  lay  open  the  recesses  of  your  aching  heart 
to  the  bosom  of  friendship,  and  more  especially 
make  them  known  to  that  Friend  who  has 
chastened  you  for  your  profit.  Recollect,  that 
you  are  never  less  alone  than  when  alone.  God 
is  every  where  present,  and  ready  to  afford  con- 
solation and  support  to  those  who  call  upon  him. 
His  providence  watches  over  all:  he  makes  his 
snn  to  rise  upon  the  evil  and  the  good ;  he  is 
acquainted  with  the  secrets  of  your  heart;  he 
sees  your  distress  ;  he  waits  to  be  gracious ;  he 
is  infinitely  wise  to  guide  and  direct,  and  kind 
and  beneficent,  as  well  as  unlimited  in  ability,  to 
give  you  peace  and  joy.  It  is  his  delight  to  dwell 
with  the  humble  and  contrite  heart,  to  revive  the 
spirit  of  the  humble,  to  be  present  with  his  peo- 
ple in  their  affliction,  to  put  underneath  them  his 
everlasting  arms,  and  sustain  them  under  the 
pressure  of  the  greatest  misfortunes. 

*  Jer.  V.  3. 


ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF.  2K 

When  his  servants,  in  the  days  of  Nebuchad- 
nezzar, refused  to  infringe  the  laws  of  the  Lord 
their  God,  and  were  cast  into  the  furnace  of  fire, 
he  exhibited  his  power  to  save,  and  his  deUght 
to  support  them  in  suffering,  by  his  presence ;  for 
•*  there  were  seen  four  men  walking  in  the  midst 
of  the  fire,  who  had  no  hurt :  and  the  form  of  the 
fourth  was  like  unto  the  Son  of  God."*  And, 
although  we  do  not  now  expect  the  same  visible 
interference  and  miraculous  preservation,  we  are 
assured  that  the  people  of  God  are  equally  his 
peculiar  care ;  that  it  is  his  delight  to  be  doing 
them  good,  and  that  he  is  ever  nigh  unto  them 
by  his  Word  and  by  his  Spirit.  His  ear  is  open 
to  their  cry :  this  almighty  Friend  is  always  ac- 
cessible ;  he  is  willing  to  hsten  to  their  complaints, 
and  he  has  the  power  to  sooth  their  sorrows. 
Come  then  to  this  Friend,  and  pour  out  your  heart 
before  him :  detail  all  your  cares,  and  seek  to 
obtain  the  benefit  which  he  has  intended:  trust 
yourselves  and  your  all  in  his  hands,  and  then 
you  shall  find  that  he  is  a  very  present  help  in 
trouble;  that,  in  opening  your  heart  unto  him, 
the  severity  of  your  grief  has  been  mitigated;  and 
that  you  have  in  heaven  a  Friend  who  loveth  at 
all  times,  a  Friend  more  certainly  endeared  than, 
the  nearest  and  most  perfect  human  relation. 

*  Dan.  iii.  25. 


22  ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

Our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  himself  has  left  us  an 
example  of  a  real  mourner ;  he  was  indeed  "  a 
man  of  sorrows,  and  acquainted  with  grief."  It 
is  recorded  of  him,  that  he  wept  over  the  grave 
of  Lazarus,  and  that,  because  he  loved  him.  He 
does  not  rebuke  the  tears  of  the  bereaved  rela- 
tives, though  he  strives  to  comfort  them ;  and,  so 
far  from  affording  to  his  followers  an  example  of 
unmoved  suffering,  ^'  he  is  troubled,"  he  "groaned 
in  his  spirit ;"  yea,  he  drops  the  tear  of  sympathy 
and  affection  over  the  deceased.*  Jesus  was  a 
mourner  here  below,  and  he  has  smoothed  the 
rugged  path  of  sorrow,  by  leaving  us  an  example, 
not  of  unyielding  indifference,  but  of  submission 
to  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father,  and  of  the  re- 
lief bountifully  provided  for  the  sufferer,  in  weep- 
ing over  his  loss.  And  although  it  is  not  now  the 
first  concern  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour,  to  recall 
to  earth  the  object  of  his  solicitude ,  yet  the  bodies 
of  his  people  are  his  peculiar  charge,  and  he  will 
raise  them  up  at  the  last  day  to  glory,  and  honour, 
and  immortality. 

This  idea  beautifully  illustrates  Ids  divine  com- 
passion ;  "  for  we  have  not  an  High  Priest  which 
cannot  be  touched  with  the  feeling  of  our  infir- 
mities :  but  who  was  in  all  points  tempted  like 
as  we  are,  yet  without  sin."t     He  knows  the 

"*  Jojin  xi.  33.  t  Heb.  iv.  15. 


ON  THE  Indulgence  of  grief.         23 

extent  of  your  sufferings,  for  he  has  felt  the  same ; 
his  heart  overflows  with  pity,  and  is  expanded 
towards  you,  in  all  the  fulness  of  redeeming  grace 
and  dying  love ;  you  are  interested  in  his  com- 
passionate regards,  and  he  seeks  to  allure  you  to 
himself.  He  invites  you  to  cast  your  burden 
upon  him,  and  is  only  seeking,  by  this  light  afiiic- 
tion,  to  recall  your  wandering  affections  from  the 
creature,  and  to  withdraw  your  erring  footsteps 
from  the  uncertain  track  of  time  and  sorrow,  to 
the  satisfying  pursuit  of  substantial  good.  He 
seeks  tliat  the  heart  may  be  softened  and  ren- 
dered accessible ;  and  he  appears,  not  as  a  God 
of  judgment,  but  of  mercy — chastising,  but  in 
love— afllicting,  but  from  the  purest  compassion 
— and  supporting  with  the  richest  consolations. 
He  sees,  he  feels  your  sorrow — he  hastens  to  your 
relief — he  interposes  his  cheering  presence,  his 
animating  voice.  He  says,  "  Weep  not^"  and 
proclaims  himself  as  the  "  resurrection  and  the 
life."  Yes!  he  comes  to  you  in  the  endearing 
character  of  friend ;  he  calms  your  agitated  bosom 
by  his  sympathy,  he  comforts  by  his  Spirit,  sup- 
ports by  his  grace,  and  leads  your  thoughts 
onward  to  that  glorious  period  of  immortality 
and  ])eace,  when  you  shall  be  re-united  to  your 
lost  relative,  in  realms  of  unfading  bliss;  and 
shall  associate  with  his  glorified  spirit,  now  trans- 
formed into  the  image  of  your  mutual  Redeemer, 


24  ON  THE  INDULGENCE  OF  GRIEF. 

in  ascribing  all  the  glory  of  your  salvation  and 
eternal  felicity  to  the  "  Lamb  that  was  slain." 
Our  great  High  Priest  and  Advocate  still  lives 
and  reigns  to  make  intercession  for  us ;  he  is 

*'  Unchangeably  faithful  to  save, 
Almighty  to  rule  and  command." 

"  Let  us  therefore  come  boldly  unto  the  throne 
of  grace,  that  we  may  obtain  mercy,  and  find 
grace  to  help  in  time  of  need."*  Let  us  com- 
mune with  our  own  hearts,  and  with  this  almighty 
Saviour,  that  we  may  listen  to  his  voice,  and 
obey  his  word,  and  follow  him  whithersoever  \w 
leadeth. 


Heb.  iv.  IG, 


25 


CHAPTER  II. 

ON  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF. 

Christianity  does  not  forbid  its  disciples  to 
mourn;  but  rather  sanctions  the  expressions  of 
grief,  occasioned  by  the  loss  of  friends,  when 
viewed  as  the  consequence  of  sin  generally,  as 
the  result  of  our  ow  n  carelessness  and  folly,  and 
as  forming  a  part  of  that  probationary  discipline 
which  is  designed  to  prepare  us  for  another  and 
a  better  world.  Grace  does  not  destroy,  but 
simply  regulates  nature ;  it  does  not  supersede 
the  affections  or  forbid  their  influence,  but  only 
moderates  and  dijrects  their  exercise. 

Could  we  distinctly  view  every  object  and 
event  through  the  chastened  medium  of  Chris- 
tianity, there  would  be  no  danger  in  the  indul- 
gence of  grief :  there  would  be  no  fear  of  offending 
God  by  weeping  over  the  loss  of  those  blessings 
which  he  has  conferred,  together  with  all  capa- 
city for  their  enjoyment :  there  would  be  no 
necessity  to  restrain  the  exercise  of  those  affec- 
tionate sympathies  which  he  has  implanted  in 
our  bosoms,  as  the  source  of  many  of  our  plea- 
3 


26  Ox\  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEl. 

sures,  and  the  principle  upon  which  much,  and 
that  the  most  admirable  part  of  our  conduct,  is 
grounded. 

The  feeble  glimmering  light  of  nature  is  in- 
sufficient to  guide  our  affections  or  actions.  The 
objects  we  perceive  through  this  medium  are  so 
distorted  by  prejudice,  so  deceptive  by  their 
energetic  appeal  t,o  our  feelings  and  passions, 
that  our  judgment  is  rendered  vacillating  and 
uncertain;  and  we  become  incapable  of  forming 
a  correct  estimate  of  their  real  nature,  and  of 
their  respective  combinations  and  affinities ;  or 
of  the  results  to  which  they  lead.  But  the  torch 
of  divine  truth  enables  us  to  discover  the  way  in 
which  we  should  walk ;  it  unmasks  prejudice,  de- 
velops the  secret  influence  of  feeling,  dispels  the 
mists  of  error,  and,  by  its  clear  and  steady  radi- 
ance, safely  guides  and  invigorates  the  sincere 
inquirer ;  discloses  to  him  the  hidden  treasures 
of  hope,  and  regulates  his  conduct  by  its  own 
unerring  laws.  We  no  longer  walk  in  darkness 
and  uncertainty,  but  are  enabled  to  descry  the 
dangers  we  must  avoid,  as  well  as  the  object  we 
must  pursue,  and  the  means  by  which  it  may  be 
attained. 

The  Christian  mourner  is  not  left  in  doubt  as 
to  the  limits  which  should  define  his  sorrow :  for, 
although  we  must  rejoice  at  the  present,  eternal, 
and  unfading  happiness  of  the  spirit  of  the  de- 


ON  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF.  27 

parted  Christian,  and  the  infinite  and  incalculable 
value  of  the  exchange  he  has  made ;  yet  to 
mourn  for  the  dead,  and  more  particularly  for 
those  who  die  in  the  arms  of  their  Lord,  is  a  duty 
which  nature  and  affection  demand — which  is 
perfectly  compatible  with  the  purest  influence  of 
religion,  sanctioned  by  the  example  of  eminent 
saints,  and  required  by  God  himself.  Abraham, 
that  faithful  servant  of  the  most  high  God, 
mourned  for  Sarah.  "  Abraham  came  to  mourn 
for  Sarah,  and  to  weep  for  her."  So  did  Jacob 
for  his  son  Joseph,  and  Joseph  and  his  brethren 
for  their  father  Jacob.*  Instances  might  be 
multiplied ;  but  the  bare  mention  of  these  is 
enough  to  prove,  that  to  mourn  was  not  incon- 
sistent with  their  patriarchal  piety  and  primaeval 
simplicity.  Indifference  to  the  death  of  the 
righteous  has  been  plainly  reproved  by  the  Spirit 
of  Truth,  who  declares  that  "  the  righteous 
perisheth,  and  no  man  layeth  it  to  heart."t  It 
is  not  then  sorrow  in  itself,  but  its  excessive  in- 
dulgence, which  is  to  be  avoided  by  the  Christian ; 
for  •'  godly  sorrow  worketh  repentance  to  salva- 
tion not  to  be  repented  of."| 

It  is  indeed  true  that  affliction  is  grievous  to 
be  borne ;  and  it  is  equally  true,  that  the  ravages 
of  intemperate  grief  intercept  our  views  of  the 

"  Gen.  xxiii.  2 ;  xxxvii.  34 ;  1.  10.  t  Isa.  Ivii.  1. 

t  9  Cor.  vii.  10. 


28  ox  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF. 

Great  Disposer  of  all  events  and  of  the  hearts  of 
men,  becloud  our  prospects  of  eternity,  depress 
the  spirits,  shrivel  and  contract  the  heart  into  the 
coldest  selfishness,  and  impair  the  health  of  the 
body.  Grief  is  a  passion  which  requires  the  great- 
est watchfulness ;  for  its  influence  steals  upon 
us  insensibly,  under  the  disguise  of  positive  duty ; 
and  acquires  the  power  of  expanding  itself  to  an 
almost  indefinite  extent,  till  it  has  so  occupied 
the  heart,  that  there  is  great  danger  lest  it  should 
overwhelm  us,  and  prevent  our  deriving  those 
advantages  from  affliction  which  our  merciful 
Father  has  intended.  Hence  it  is  enjoined  that 
Christians  should  moderate  their  sorrow:  *'  My 
son,  despise  not  thou  the  chastening  of  the  Lord, 
nor  faint  when  thou  art  rebuked  of  him."*  Ex- 
cessive sorrow  is  combined  in  the  same  precept 
with  that  hardness  of  heart  which  refuses  to  be 
softened,  and  to  feel  under  the  chastening  hand 
©f  God.  We  are  commanded  not  to  faint ;  hence, 
sorrow  should  be  so  moderated  as  riot  to  interfere 
with  the  discharge  of  the  private  duties  of  reli- 
gion. It  should  bring  us  ^to  God  more  humbly, 
more  intimately,  and  more  devoutly,  rather  than 
alienate  us  from  him.  If  we  indulge  the  soft 
luxury  of  grief,  our  minds  will  become  enfeebled 
for  religious  duties;  we  shall  be  completely  ah- 

•*  Prov.  iii.  IK 


5n  the  moderation  op  grief.         29 

sorbed  in  contemplating  the  occasion  of  our  sor-. 
row,  and  we  shall  scarcely  lift  from  the  heart  one 
aspiration  of  praise  to  Him  who  doth  all  things 
well. 

Perhaps  we  have  lost  an  object  which  we  loved 
with  idolatrous  affection.  Almighty  God  has 
seen  fit  to  remove  that  which  rivalled  the  posses- 
sion of  our  hearts ;  how  careful  should  we  be, 
that  we  do  not  embrace  another  idol — that  we 
do  not  supply  the  vacuity  death  has  made  in  our 
affections,  by  yielding  ourselves  to  the  uncon- 
trolled dominion  of  that  sorrow  which  ''  worketh 
death!"  The  eyes  of  the  world  are  fixed  upon 
professors  of  religion,  especially  on  those  who  are 
removed  from  the  obscurity  of  humble  hfe :  and 
it  expects  now  to  perceive  the  influence  of  those 
animating  and  consoling  truths  which  had  been 
so  frequently  extolled.  It  does  not  expect  to  find 
them  without  a  refuge  from  the  storm,  a  prey  to 
the  influence  of  ungoverned  passion,  and  over- 
whelmed by  the  agony  of  despair.  It  does  not 
expect  to  find  them  sullenly  complaining,  or  in- 
deed silently  suffering  what  they  know  to  be  in- 
evitable,  as  if  it  resulted  from  a  fatal  necessity, 
governed  by  chance,  or  directed  by  the  wildest 
caprice.  It  will  not  even  grant  those  allowances 
which  the  infinite  variety  of  natural  temper  and 
disposition,  and  of  the  strength  of  the  intellectual 
powers,  appears  to  demand.  It  will  require  that 
3* 


30  ON  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF. 

the  influence  of  the  principles  they  profess,  and 
the  doctrines  they  believe,  shall  be  exemplified  in 
their  conduct:  it  will  expect  that  their  minds 
shall  be  calmed  by  a  consideration  of  the  good- 
ness of  God,  and  the  equity  of  his  government; 
by  his  wisdom,  and  his  gracious  designs  towards, 
his  children ;  by  a  prospect  of  that  rest  which 
remaineth  for  the  people  of  God ;  and  by  a  firm 
reliance  on  his  promise,  that  all  events  shall  ad- 
vance  the  best  interests  of  those  who  love  him. 
It  will  expect  that  they  will  cheerfully  resign, 
when  he  calls  for  it,  their  dearest  earthly  comforts, 
without  murmuring ;  and  that,  on  the  v/hole,  they 
will  evince  a  peaceful  serenity  of  temper  in  the 
most  distressing  circumstances.  Religion  is  in- 
deed much  exposed  to  contempt  by  the  immo- 
derate sorrow  of  those  who  profess  their  belief 
of  its  truths.  If,  says  the  objector,  its  mild  pre- 
cepts, its  animating  hopes,  its  supporting  pro- 
mises, and  its  consoling  anticipations,  so  fre- 
quently the  subject  of  discussion  in  the  peaceful 
hour  of  prosperity,  be  insufficient  to  support  the 
mourner  under  the  immediate  loss  of  his  relatives 
and  friends,  surely  these  can  be  of  httle  value ; 
and  the  consolations  of  philosophy  are  equally 
important.  If  religion  and  its  hopes  and  joys  be, 
as  they  are  represented,  an  all-satisfying  good, 
how  is  it  that  he  is  so  overwhelmed  with  sorrow 
at  the  loss  of  one  who  has  entered  into  his  rest. 


ON  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF.  31 

and  who,  by  his  removal,  has  rendered  earth  less 
pleasing",  and  has  engaged  his  affections  more 
exclusively  in  heaven  ?  He  has  one  attachment 
the  fewer  to  the  world,  and  he  possesses  an  ad- 
ditional attachment  to  heaven ;  whence,  by  his 
own  principles,  his  religious  pleasures  should 
shortly  be  increased.  To  be  thus  absorbed  in 
sorrow,  manifestly  indicates  inconsistency  with 
the  possession  of  such  cheering  doctrines,  and 
evinces  that  he  does  not  really  believe  the  truths 
he  pertinaciously  contends  for,  or  that  they  are 
not  in  their  nature  and  influence  such  as  they 
are  asserted  to  be.  Thus,  in  fact,  the  prejudices 
of  the  irreligious  are  strengthened  on  every  side ; 
and  surely  Christians  should  be  doubly  careful, 
lest  they  oppose  the  influence  of  Christianity,  by 
placing  obstacles  to  its  reception  in  the  way  of 
others. 

The  followers  of  our  ascended  Saviour  arc 
commanded  not  to  sorrow  "  even  as  others 
which  have  no  hope,"  and  are  pointed  to  one 
grand  source  of  consolation  ;  *'  for  if  we  believe 
that  Jesus  died  and  rose  again,  even  so  them 
also  which  sleep  in  Jesus  will  God  bring  with 
him."*  Here  is  a  positive  injunction  that  Chris- 
tians should  moderate  their  grief;  and  a  most 
powerful  reason  is  annexed ;  for,  if  we  believe 

iv.  13, 14. 


32  ON  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF. 

the  fundamental  truths  of  the  Bible,  we  are  as^ 
sured  that  the  disembodied  spirit  of  the  deceased 
over  whom  affection  sheds  its  fondest  tear,  is 
Tiow  infinitely  happier  than  on  earth ;  it  would 
not  exchange  its  present  peace  for  the  cares  and 
sorrows  it  has  just  quitted,  for  all  the  world  calls 
good  or  great.  From  the  enjoyment  of  such 
present  felicity  we  would  not  wish  to  recall  him 
whom  we  have  lost :  our  thoughts  are  led  forward 
to  the  happy  period,  when  we,  if  the  people  of 
God,  shall  join  the  chorus  of  the  redeemed ;  and 
unite  with  his  glorified  spirit,  in  ascribing  "glory, 
honour,  and  blessing  to  Him  that  sitteth  on  the 
throne,  and  to  the  Lamb  for  ever." 

Again,  the  Christian  remembers  that  every 
event  is  under  the  superintendence  of  God ;  and 
that,  from  whatever  immediate  source  the  present 
affliction  may  appear  to  spring,  still  it  originates 
with  Infinite  Wisdom,  and  is  directed  in  its 
period,  and  in  all  its  circumstances,  by  Infinite 
Love.  He  knows  that  he  is  in  the  hands  of  a 
merciful  and  faithful  Creator,  and  trusts  in  his 
power  and  goodness,  though  he  cannot  distinctly 
trace  that  hand  which  governs  even  the  minutest 
event.  There  are  many  natural  phenomena,  of 
which  we  cannot  possibly  fathom  the  rationale; 
but  we  are  assured  that  these  are  influenced  by 
laws  as  definite  as  any  others  with  which  we  are 
more  intimately  acquainted.   We  cannot  attempt 


O^  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF.  3^^ 

to  trace  the  footsteps  of  Omnipotence ;  our  con- 
stricted capacities  are  incapable  of  discovering 
the  ways  of  Providence ;  but  we  are  happy  in  the 
assurance  that  the  powers  of  Omniscience  are 
engaged  in  fixing  and  preserving  in  its  order 
every  occurrence.  The  Lord  of  heaven  and 
earth  sees,  and  knows,  and  governs  all  things — 
the  motion  of  an  atom  and  a  world :  and  though 
we  are  ignorant  of  his  designs,  we  may  safely 
confide  in  Him  who  does  and  will  direct  all  con- 
tingencies. 

"  I  was  dumb,  I  opened  not  my  mouth,  be- 
cause thou  didst  it,"  is  the  language  of  humble 
and  submissive  confidence.  While  nature  weeps, 
the  Christian  remembers  that  every  painful  event 
has  been  appointed  by  omniscient  goodness; 
and  while  the  silent  tear  steals  down  his  grief- 
worn  cheek,  he  will  not  be  utterly  cast  down ; 
he  will  review  the  mercies  which  have  followed 
him  all  the  days  of  his  life ;  and  perceiving  that 
those  events  which  he  now  esteems  his  greatest 
blessings,  were  painful  in  their  nature,  he  will 
come  and  make  his  complaint  to  God,  and  not 
to  man.  While  his  heart  and  eye  tend  upwards 
to  the  sky,  he  will  not  be  in  danger  of  excessive 
sorrow ;  for  he  will  supplicate  a  gracious  Father 
with  deep  humility,  for  the  sinful  cause  which 
has  rendered  affliction  necessary,  aiid  yet  with 
filial  confidence,  assured   that  he  will  not  lay 


34  ON  THE  MODERATION  OF  GRIEF. 

upon  him  a  burden  heavier  than  he  can  bear ; 
assured  that  in  due  ,  time,  when  his  gracious 
design  shall  have  been  accomplished,  he  will 
give  him  peace,  and  deliver  him  from  every 
distress.  These  considerations  will  prove  suf- 
ficient to  excite  him  to  assuage  his  grief.  He 
dares  not  murmur,  or  call  in  question  the  good- 
ness or  the  justice  of  God;  for  he  invites  his 
children  to  pour  out  their  requests  unto  him ; 
and  though  in  great  mercy  he  sees  fit  frequently 
to  deny  them  what  they  ask,  yet  he  always 
giVeth  liberally,  and  gives  exactly,  not  that 
which  may  be  most  pleasing,  but  which  will  be 
best  for  them  in  the  present  and  a  future  world. 


/^r- 


35 


CHAPTER  III. 

ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

It  is  not  easy  to  define  the  precise  limits  wliefe 
every  kind  and  degree  of  sorrow  becomes  ex- 
cessive ;  for  a  moment's  reflection  will  convince, 
that  expressions  of  grief,  which  nature  and 
religion  both  demand  and  allow  under  the 
severe  sufferings  to  which  humanity  is  exposed, 
would  be  unjustifiable  and  sinful  under  the 
lighter  cares  and  perplexities  of  daily  life. 
There  are  many  persons  who  view  their  own 
trials  through  a  magnifying  medium :  they  un- 
justly trace  out  aggravating  circumstances,  which 
a  fond  selfishness  alone  can  discover,  and  thus 
endeavour  to  excuse  their  impatience,  by  the 
supposed  weight  of  suflfering  under  which  they 
labour.  They  conceive  their  affliction  to  be 
more  severe  than  ever  was  intended  by  its 
Author;  and,  unaccustomed  to  the  yoke,  they 
vainly  imagine  that  no  burden  is  equal  to  theirs, 
and  believe  that  their  complaints  may  lawfully 
exceed  the  bounds  prescribed  for  others.  Yet 
it  is  manifest,  that  the  same  indulgence  of  grief 
cannot  be  allowed  to  the  sufferings  of  unsubdued 


36  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

passion,  as  to  those  real  mourners  who  are  borne 
down  with  the  weight  of  their  sorrows,  and  with 
a  humbUng  sense  of  God's  justice  and  mercy 
in  their  infliction — to  those  whom  God  hath 
wounded  in  the  tenderest  relations,  and  who 
feel  the  full  extent  of  human  wretchedness. 

Some  allowance  must  be  made  for  natural 
disposition,  and  the  peculiar  texture  of  individual 
minds.  Let  not  one  pride  himself  on  his  sub- 
mission to  afl^ictive  providence,  when  in  truth 
his  equanimity  arises  from  the  absence  of  those 
acute  feelings  which  constitute  the  man  of  quick 
sensibility.  Let  not  that  be  termed  patience, 
which  consists  in  indifference ;  nor  suffer  that  to 
be  extolled  as  a  virtue,  which  is  a  mere  gift  of 
iiiature,  or  the  offspring  of  a  mind  well  trained 
and  disciplined  in  the  depths  of  abstract  reason- 
ing, and  rendered  less  susceptible  of  the  acute 
feelings  a  more  lively  imagination  would  experi- 
ence. Nature  has  cast  some  minds  in  a  sterner 
mould ;  their  perceptions  are  correct — their  as- 
sociations few  and  accurate — their  judgment 
firm— their  sensibilities  obtuse;  while  she  has 
endowed  others  with  a  greater  degree  of  vivacity, 
quick  and  inaccurate  perception,  lively  and  un- 
limited association,  and  a  judgment  too  fre- 
quently influenced,  and  even  carried  away,  by 
the  acuteness  of  their  feelings.  In  characters  so 
unlike,  the  expression  of  sorrow  will  be  different 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  37 

in  degree,  and  dissimilar  in  kind.     That  sorrow 
which  would  be  excessive,  and  therefore  sinful, 
in  the  former  character,  may  be  safely  allowed 
to  the  latter.     In  either  case,  the  principal  dif- 
ference will  consist  in  the  external  expression  of 
grief;    and  there  will  still  remain  certain  pre- 
cepts, whereby  the  heart  of  each  may  alike  be 
tried  and  regulated.     These  will  apply  to  all ; 
and  each  individual  may  thus  form  a  judgment 
for  himself,    far   more  easily  than   those  who 
frame  their  opinion  from  external  appearances. 
What  then   is  the  tendency  of  your   grief? 
Does  it  lead  your  heart  to  God,  or  alienate  you 
from  him  ?     Does  it  engage  your  thoughts  and 
affections  principally  on  the  circumstances  of 
the  affliction  which  has  befallen  you,  or  on  the 
gracious  design  with  which  it  has  been  commis- 
sioned?    When  the  Almighty  extends  his  chas- 
tening arm,  it  is  to  remind  us  that  he  is  our 
chief  good,  to  abstract  our  hearts  from  objects 
of  inferior  moment,  or  to  purify  and  fit  us  for  a 
closer  walk  with  him  here,  and  for  more  intimate 
communion  with  him  hereafter.     This  design 
can  alone  be  effected  by  our  returning  to  him  in 
sincerity,   earnestly   striving,   that   we   may  be 
more  entirely  devoted  to  his  service,  that  our 
hearts  may  be  more  expanded  by  a  Saviour's 
love,  and  that  our  affections  may  be  animated 
with  the  desire  of  living  to  his  glory. 
4 


^ 


0\  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 


Are  you  anxious  to  view  all  your  trials  in  thi?f 
light,  and  to  come  to  God,  and  to  him  alone,  for 
comfort  and  support  ?  Do  you  delight  to  have 
your  thoughts  much  with  him,  pray  to  him,  and 
diligently  strive  that  the  end  for  which  affliction 
Was  designed,  may  be  accomplished  in  you? 
Or  do  you  rather  fondly  dwell  on  the  value  of 
the  blessing  you  have  lost,  and  still  concentrate 
your  affections  on  that  gift  which  a  merciful  God 
has  seen  fit  to  remove  ?  Do  you  rather  excite 
the  mind  to  the  recollection  of  past  scenes  of 
happiness,  so  fondly  and  so  properly  endeared 
to  memory — to  your  prospects  of  earthly  plea- 
sure, withered  by  the  chilly  gale  of  premature 
mortahty,  and  to  your  present  forlorn  condition, 
while  you  lose  sight  of  the  hand  of  God  ?  Then 
is  your  sorrow  excessive,  for  it  is  opposed  to  the 
will  of  heaven,  and  you  are  suffering  without 
the  possibility  of  appropriating  those  cheering 
consolations  which  are  provided  for  the  humble 
mourner. 

But  again, 


There's  mercy  in  every  place ; 

And  mercy,  encouraging  thought, 
Gives  even  affliction  a  grace, 

And  reconciles  man  to  liis  lot." 


hence,   sorrow  becomes   excessive,   when  we 
forget  the  goodness  of  God  displayed  in  the 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  39 

expressions  of  his  mercy  and  his  love,  which  we 
have  enjoyed — which  we  even  now  participate ; 
and  are  looking  forward  to  the  full  disclosure  of 
his  merciful  intentions  towards  us.  The  ways 
of  God  do  indeed  sometimes  seem  marked  with 
severity.  He  knows  our  whole  hearts  better 
than  we  do  ourselves  ;  and  of  all  possible  things 
in  this  world,  he  does  that  which  is  most  adapted 
to  make  us  feel.  Probably,  when  you  examine 
the  present  affliction,  you  will  find  that  the 
stroke  is  such,  whether  you  consider  the  person, 
the  period,  the  place,  and  a  hundred  circum- 
stances and  associations,  past  or  then  expected ; 
and  thus  will  you  trace  the  design  of  God,  and 
obtain  a  consciousness  that  no  other  hand  could 
have  inflicted  it. 

Nothing  can  be  more  erroneous  than  the  in- 
dulgence of  suspicions  concerning  the  goodness 
of  God.  He  is  a  righteous  governor ;  his  conduct 
is  not  directed  by  arbitrary  caprice,  nor  is  it  the 
offspring  of  envy,  since  "justice  and  judgment 
are  the  estabhshment  of  his  throne."*  "  But 
God  is  also  love.^^f  His  gracious  determination 
to  secure  our  happiness,  and  fix  it  on  a  perma- 
nent basis,  gives  existence  to  those  very  events, 
which  we  are  sometimes  disposed  to  construe 
into  acts  of  unkindness,  and  deplore  as  pregnant 

■'  Psa.  Ixxxix.  14.  + 1  John  iv.  9. 


40  OiN  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

with  the  greatest  evils.  This  assurance,  there- 
fore, should  lead  us  to  bow  to  his  dispensations, 
not  only  because  they  are  on  our  part  quite 
unavoidable;  but  subniissively,  under  a  convic- 
tion, that  if  we  *'  love  him,  and  are  the  called 
according  to  his  purpose,  all  things  will  work 
together  for  our  good."*  When  the  stream  is 
dried  up,  our  condition  is  not  hopeless  nor  cheer- 
less, if  we  have  constant  access  to  the  fountain, 
and  find  it  always  overflowing  with  good.  When 
the  creature  interposes  between  God  and  us, 
and  we  cannot  contemplate  the  former  for  the 
latter,  surely  it  is  not  unkind  that  he  should 
remove  the  intervening  vail,  in  order  that  he 
may  acquire  his  own  perfect  right,  and  at  the 
same  time  that  we  may  be  made  substantially 
and  permanently  happy. 

Besides,  are  there  no  circumstances  of  alle- 
viation ?  Is  it  the  worst  possible  evil  that  has 
befallen  you  ?  and  is  every  aggravating  associa- 
tion concentrated  in  this  one  event  ?  Perhaps 
you  may  be  inclined  to  answer  in  the  affirmative. 
But  inquire  whether  it  might  not  have  been 
worse  with  you ;  whether,  instead  of  your  present 
pleasing  hope  of  the  immediate  happiness  of 
your  deceased  friend,  you  might  not  have  been 
harassed  with  doubts,  and  fears,  and  apprehen- 

"  Rom.  viii.  28, 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  41 

sions  respecting  his  safety;  whether  your  ex- 
pectation of  being  one  day  re-united  around  the 
throne  of  God,  might  not  have  been  involved  in 
the  uncertainty  of  your  own  state,  and  of  your 
prospects  of  future  blessedness ;  and,  if  these 
consolations  be  absent,  whether  you  might  not 
have  been  in  the  same  situation  with  your  lost 
relative,  have  passed  the  boundary  of  time,  and 
have  been  reduced  to  that  state,  where  you 
would  be  alike  incapable  of  entering  into  the 
joys,  as  of  preparing  for  the  services  of  eternity  ? 

Rehgion  can  trace  mercy  and  comfort,  even 
in  the  darkest  hour ;  and  her  chaste  rays,  re- 
flected from  the  pages  of  inspiration,  will  render 
pervious  the  thickest  gloom,  since  she  exhibits 
present  good  and  future  joy  as  the  result  of 
present  suffering  improved.  It  is  not  only  in 
our  actual  circumstances  that  we  trace  the  good- 
ness of  God,  but  in  their  ultimate  and  more 
remote  results ;  since  these  form  a  part  of  that 
discipline  which  is  to  prepare  us  for  a  future 
happy  existence  in  a  world  of  everlasting  bliss  ; 
and  to  lose  sight  of  all  these  alleviating  circum- 
stances, is  as  unbecoming  the  character  of  the 
Christian,  as  it  is  offensive  to  the  Majesty  of 
heaven. 

Unrepressed  and  intemperate  grief  leads  us 
to  distrust  the  faithfulness  and  love  of  the  Most 

High)  to  call  in  question  his  justice,  to  arraign 

4« 


42  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

his  providence :  and  thus  discontent  is  fostered 
in  our  bosom,  corroding  every  comfort,  distort- 
ing all  our  views,  and  sapping  the  foundations 
of  our  peace.  When  we  first  deviate  from  the 
narrow  path  of  rectitude,  the  gradations  of  error 
are  so  frequent  and  imperceptible,  that  we  are 
conducted  to  a  labyrinth  of  uncertainty,  before 
we  are  aware  that  we  have  quitted  the  way  of 
truth;  and  when  once  lost,  it  is  with  the  utmost 
difficulty  we  can  regain  our  former  positions. 
It  is  not  at  once,  but  gradually,  that  we  are 
induced  to  entertain  doubts  concerning  the  wis- 
dom and  justice  of  God.  We  should  shrink  at 
first  from  the  decided  avowa?  of  such  a  conclu- 
sion ;  the  mind  must  be  prepared  for  it,  by  the 
slow  and  silent,  but  constant  and  equable  opera- 
tion of  minor  suspicions,  which  ultimately  lead 
to  this  unhappy  result.  Short-sighted  intellect 
may  indeed  be  at  a  loss  to  discover  a  reason 
why  this  particular  affliction  is  necessary,  and, 
from  being  disappointed  in  the  search,  may  be 
induced  to  imagine  that  there  was  no  cause;  and 
between  this  avowal  and  the  immediate  distrust 
»f  God's  goodness  and  faithfulness,  the  gradation 
is  so  gentle,  that  the  latter  is  early  presented  to 
the  mind.  This  sentiment,  rejected  at  first  with 
aversion,  begins  to  be  tolerated,  from  the  unva- 
ried repetition  of  the  same  image ;  is  then  enter- 
tauied  with  complacency ;  and,  finally,  received 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  4'J 

as  a  legitimate  conclusion.  This  step  once 
gained,  we  can  readily  imagine  how  the  heart 
will  be  drawn  aside,  and  suffer  itself  to  disbelieve 
the  other  attributes  of  the  Deity,  and  to  doubt 
his  wisdom,  and  power,  and  love.  The  peace 
of  the  troubled  bosom  is  destroyed ;  and  peevish- 
ness, discontent,  and  fretfulness,  are  the  conse- 
quence. The  temper  is  soured,  because  the 
mind  is  exfJosed  to  a  constant  source  of  irrita- 
tion, with  no  balm  to  sooth  the  angry  passions, 
or  calm  the  aching  heart.  How  watchful  should 
we  be  against  the  first  beginnings  of  evil,  since 
we  perceive  how  easily  sorrow  may  become 
excessive,  and  how  certainly  it  will  then  hurry 
us  away  into  a  thousand  inconsistencies,  which 
the  genius  of  Christianity  blushes  to  acknow- 
ledge. 

This  error  may  be  committed  by  taking  pains 
to  provoke  and  re-excite  our  grief,  by  a  careful 
recapitulation  of  circumstances  which  are  in- 
finitely dear  to  memory,  till  they  become  too 
exquisitely  painful  to  be  borne.  The  first  trans- 
ports of  sorrow,  who  would  venture  to  oppose  ? 
Nature  attempts  her  own  relief,  by  these  ex- 
pressions of  the  wounds  she  has  received;  but 
grief  has  a  natural  tendency  to  exhaust  its  own 
violence;  the  feehngs  become  less  acute  from 
fatigue  ;  and  the  gradual  waste  and  expenditure 
of  their  energy,  at  length  brings  the  mind  to  a 


44  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

State  of  tolerable  composure.  Christian  principle 
should  now  be  invited  to  confirm  what  nature 
has  effected,  for  this  state  of  quiescence  is  only 
the  prelude  to  a  storm.  The  diminished  excit- 
ability of  the  mourner  will  soon  be  recruited, 
and  bis  sufferings  will  be  felt  with  redoubled 
violence.  Nothing  short  of  Christianity  and  its 
animating  hopes  can  render  permanent  the  calm, 
by  exchanging  the  quietude  of  exhausted  power 
for  the  peace  and  serenity  of  religious  consolation. 
Instead,  however,  of  having  recourse  to  this 
powerful  principle,  we  may,  with  all  the  ingenuity 
of  self-torture,  busily  engage  ourselves  in  stimu- 
lating the  languid  feelings,  and  goading  the 
already  fluttering  heart  to  increased  action,  by 
the  detail  and  recollection  of  every  painful  asso- 
ciation connected  with  this  sad  event.  Chris- 
tianity demands  not  that  we  should  be  forgetful 
of  the  dear  comfort  we  have  lost,  but  that  we 
should  contemplate  the  affliction  through  the 
medium  of  revelation ;  and  that  we  should  stu- 
diously endeavour  to  engage  the  mind  with  the 
blessings  designed,  and  the  consolations  provided 
for  the  humble  sufferer,  rather  than  allow  it  to 
become  the  prey  of  its  own  mournful  images. 

By  the  indulgence  of  excessive  grief,  the 
health  is  decidedly  endangered.  It  is  difficult  to 
define  the  nature  of  the  connexion  which  subsists 
between  the  mind  and  the  body ;  our  knowledge 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  45 

respecting   it  is   almost  entirely  limited  to  an 
acquaintance  with  the  effects  produced  by  their 
reciprocal   action.     Although   the  existence  of 
this  sympathy  may  be  denied  by  those  who  plead 
for  the  unrestrained  indulgence  of  their  sorrow, 
yet  nothing  can  be  more  certain.    We  see  every 
day  the  one  suffering  with  the  other — the  mani- 
festations of  mind  enfeebled  by  disease,  and  the 
animal   economy   materially  disturbed   by  dis- 
orders of  the  mind.     It  is  well  known  how  in- 
stantaneously joy  or  grief  will  pall  the  appetite ; 
that  it  is  impossible  to  cure  many  derangements 
of  the  animal  syStem,  whilst  any  cause  of  mental 
irritation  exists;   and  that  many  maladies  are 
immediately  produced  by  the  influence  of  de- 
pressing passions.     The  indulgence  of  excessive 
grief,  then,  is  by  no  means  innocent,  since,  al- 
though its  immediate  effects  may  be  escaped,  it 
may  still  lay  the  foundation  of  insidious  disease, 
which,  though  long  protracted,  may  in  the  end 
terminate  fatally.     Nor  is  this  caution  unneces- 
sary ;  for  many  mourners  practise  a  kind  of  self- 
deception,   by   allowing  themselves   to   believe 
their  health  is  not  endangered,  provided  no  im- 
mediately   serious  ravages   are   perceptible   to 
themselves,  while  yet  their  strength  is  visibly 
declining.     It  is  true,  the  vigour  thus  impaired 
may  be  recovered,  and  that  quickly;  yet  care  is 
^ecessary ;  and  when  we  recollect,  that  in  the 


4ld  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

code  of  laws  to  which  we  profess  to  yield  obedi- 
ence, there  is  a  command  which  says,  *'  Thou 
shalt  not  kill ;"  and  reflect  that  every  prohibition 
implies  a  positive  injunction;  we  must  surely 
allow  that  such  a  precept  requires  that  all  lawful 
means  be  assiduously  employed  for  the  preser- 
vation of  our  own  life,  as  well  as  the  lives  of 
others. 

Life  is  desirable;  during  its  rapid  progress 
our  eternal  destiny  is  fixed  ;  and  when  the  body 
can  no  longer  be  inhabited,  the  immortal  spirit 
which  actuated  it,  is  immediately  translated  to 
the  enjoyment  of  exquisite  pleasure  or  endless 
punishment.  It  is  rendered  sensible  of  the  ex- 
haustless  treasures  of  infinite  love,  or  of  the 
deserved  anger  of  a  just  and  holy  God.  This 
gives  to  life  its  chief  value  :  now  is  the  accepted 
time,  now  is  the  day  of  grace ;  and  are  we  yet 
prepared  to  die  ?  With  what  thankfulness  should 
we  enjoy,  with  what  care  should  we  cherish,  life 
and  health,  until  we  gain  substantial  evidence 
that  we  are  ripening  for  an  inheritance  with  the 
saints  in  light,  until  we  enjoy  a  pleasing  hope  of 
eternal  felicity ! 

And  even  supposing  that,  on  this  head,  we  are 
as  completely  at  rest  as  was  the  Apostle  Paul, 
when  he  said,  "  to  die  is  gain,"  alluding  to  him- 
self; yet  we  should  remember,  that,  connected 
with  this  expression,  is  the  assertion,  "  for  me 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  47 

to  live  is  Christ."*  We  cannot  be  said  to  live 
to  Christ,  if  we  do  not  embrace  every  opportunity 
of  employing  the  talents  we  possess  in  offices  of 
piety,  and  the  various  and  constantly  increasing 
duties  of  disinterested  benevolence.  The  Chris- 
tian's is  an  active  life;  he  is  called  to  do  good, 
and  to  glorify  God.  How  many  are  there  whose 
earthly  happiness  materially,  if  not  essentially, 
depends  upon  us !  how  many  whose  sorrows  we 
may  sooth,  whose  burdens  we  may  contribute  to 
support,  whose  miseries  may  be  lessened,  whose 
ignorance  may  be  dispelled,  whose  happiness 
may  be  enhanced  by  our  exertions !  Performed 
on  right  principles,  these  things  are  acceptable 
to  Christ;  and  we  should  recollect,  that  it  is 
only  during  the  short  uncertain  space  of  life 
that  we  shall  enjoy  an  opportunity  of  pleasing 
G<jd  in  this  way,  and  of  being  thus  useful  to 
others. 

The  same  may  be  observed  with  regard  to 
the  eternal  interests  of  our  fellow-men.  The 
light  of  truth  dispels  the  darkness,  by  which  the 
God  of  this  world  rules ;  and  Christians  should 
shine  as  lights  in  the  world,  pointing  out  the 
way  to  glory.  How  impeneti'able  the  gloom  by 
which  we  ai*e  surrounded ;  and  how  inadequate, 
how  comparatively  feeble  and  glimmering  is  the 

*  PhU.  i.  21. 


48  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

faint  light  emitted  by  the  followers  of  our  Re- 
deemer !  Let  us  not  be  among  those  who  vo- 
luntarily extinguish  their  light,  or  put  their 
candle  under  a  bushel;  let  us  rather  most  care- 
fully preserve  our  health,  as  the  choicest  earthly 
blessing.  May  we  be  quickened  by  the  lov  e  of 
Christ,  and  according  to  his  holy  precept  and 
example,  diligently  diffuse  the  light  of  life,  by 
our  w^ords,  our  spirit,  and  our  conduct  ! 

But  again,  a  degree  of  sorrow  which  has 
escaped  the  foregoing  limitations,  may  become 
excessive  by  its  protraction.  It  is  not  pretended 
that  sorrow  or  mourning  should  have  a  limited 
duration,  and  that  regret  for  the  loss  of  the  dear 
objects  of  our  fond  esteem  should  quickly  find 
a  termination.  This,  indeed,  would  seem  to  be 
the  effect  of  UgMy  esteeming  the  chastisements 
of  the  Almighty  ;  or  to  arise  from  the  want  of 
proper  affection  for  the  deceased,  whose  loss  we 
cease  to  deplore  because  we  do  not  feel.  This 
would  be  highly  inconsistent  with  the  Christian 
character.  But  it  is  distinctly  asserted,  that  a 
degree  of  sorrmc^  which  might  fairly  be  allowed 
to  the  mourner  when  suffering  the  first  emotions 
of  grief,  may  still  become  sinful  by  its  continu- 
ance ;  and  that  it  does  so,  when  its  expression  is 
incompatible  with  the  discharge  of  the  duties 
assigned  us  by  Providence,  when  it  unfits  us  for 
necessary  intercourse  with  society,  when  it  em- 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  4^ 

bitters  oiir  present  comforts,  and  incapacitates 
lis  for  worshipping  and  praising  God. 

If  it  be  asserted  that  these  limitations  are  too 
precise  to  be  universally  applicable,  and  that, 
however  true  they  may  be  as  general  rules,  they 
will  still  admit  of  particular  exceptions ;  who  is 
there  that  will  not  plead  his  title  to  individual 
exemption?  Who  is  there  that  does  not  fancy 
his  own  to  be  the  weightier  affliction?  Who 
would  not  determine  his  to  be  the  precise  cir- 
cumstances which  would  admit  of  excessive  sor- 
row ?  The  great  mass  of  mankind  are  deceived 
by  their  general  reception  of  particular  precepts, 
as  speculatively  true,  which  they  individually 
and  practically  disregard.  Thus  all  men  think 
all  men  mortal  but  themselves;  they  will  yield 
their  cordial  assent  to  the  sinfulness  of  human 
nature,  provided  their  individual  freedom  from 
its  pollution  may  be  granted;  they  will  acknow- 
ledge the  danger  of  certain  errors  and  tempta- 
tions, to  almost  all  others  but  themselves.  Thus 
are  they  deceived,  saying,  "  Peace,  peace,  when 
there  is  no  peace;"  they  lose  sight  of  the  im- 
mediate connexion  of  their  happiness  with  the 
exercise  of  constant  obedience  ;  they  busy  them- 
selves in  discovering  the  vices  and  exposing 
The  errors  of  others,  and  applying  appropriat(? 
remedies,  while  they  forget  their  own  heart. 

To  allow  individual  exemption  from  the  in- 
5 


50  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

-Huence  of  these  restraints,  would  be  to  render 
them  perfectly  inert ;  impartial  investigation  will 
evince  the  universality  of  their  application.  It 
may,  indeed,  be  pleaded,  that  all  your  hope  and 
joy  was  bound  up  and  centered  in  the  life  of  the 
deceased,  that  you  were  abundantly  happy  in 
his  society,  and  that,  while  permitted  to  enjoy 
it,  you  knew  no  care  or  sorrow,  and  wished  for 
no  addition  to  your  joy.  Yet  does  not  this  prove 
the  necessity  of  the  affliction ;  even  because  of 
your  inordinate  attachment  ?  Perhaps  you  will 
conceive  that  you  have  no  comfort  remaining, 
or  you  will  regret  that  your  friend  is  removed 
from  a  sphere  of  eminent  usefulness,  and  will 
fondly  imagine  that  his  habitual  preparedness 
for  heaven  rendered  him  peculiarly  fitted  for  a 
longer  residence  on  earth  :  you  will  deplore  the 
very  short  time  you  enjoyed  his  society  on  this 
wilderness  world,  and  the  long  and  dreary  night 
of  mourning  and  solitude  which  you  have  before 
you. 

It  would  be  quite  endless  to  attempt  the 
enumeration  of  the  infinitely  varied  pleas  for 
immoderate  sorrow  which  the  different  circum- 
stances of  individual  mourners  will  elicit,  or  to 
expose  the  ingenuity  by  which  a  thousand  pro- 
tean forms  of  excuse  are  invented;  yet  we  shall 
find  that  they  all  resolve  themselves  into  the 
powerful  principle  of  selfishness. 


ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW.  51 

The  desire  of  present  freedom  from  pain  is 
natural  to  man;  "  but  should  it  be  according  to 
thy  mind:"*     Wilt  thou,  O  vain  man,  contend 
with  Him  that  formed  thee?     Wilt  thou  bring 
thy  judgment  into  opposition  with  the  decrees 
of  Infinite  Wisdom  ?     Shall   the   short-sighted 
reasoning  of  mortality  be  placed  in  competition 
with  the  determinations  of  Omniscience  ?    Shall 
thy  blind  and  foolish  self-love  be  opposed  to  the 
designs  of  Infinite  Goodness,   and  mercy,  and 
love  ?   Wilt  thou,  a  perishing  creature,  presume 
to  give  laws  to  Omnipotence,  and  to  obtrude  thy 
puny  will  against  His  who  doth  all  things  well ; 
whose  boundless  presence  fills  every  heart,  and 
directs  every  event ;  who  governs  all  things  by 
his  power,   and  without  whose  supervision  not 
the  smallest  circumstance  can  come  to  pass? 
Reflect  on  the  incongruity  of  such  conduct ;  con- 
sider thy  situation  as  his  servant,  and  the  perfec- 
tions of  the  Almighty  Disposer  of  all  things. 
Seriously  recollect,  that  impatience  under  his 
chastening  hand  is  highly  oflfensive.     The  all- 
wise   Jehovah   afliicts  with  the    most  gracious 
design ;  his  chastisements  are  sent  on  the  kindest 
errands  of  love.    What  ingratitude  to  despise  his 
correction,  to  murmur  at  his  dispensations,  and 
to  be   impatient  for  the  removal  of  affliction 

*  *ob  xxxiv.  33. 


52  ON  EXCESSIVE  SORROW. 

before  it  shall  have  accomplished  the  end  he  has 
proposed !  Surely,  if  we  reflect  on  the  compar- 
atively minute  section  of  our  lives  dedicated  to 
^this  salutary  discipline;  if  we  appreciate  the 
long  intervals  of  ease  and  prosperity  frequently 
allotted  to  us,  the  many  comforts  with  which 
our  darkest  hours  are  interspersed,  and  the 
secure  refuge  from  the  storm  which  is  provided 
for  our  safety  and  comfort ;  discontent  and  im- 
patience will  be  banished  from  our  bosom,  every 
expression  of  immoderate  grief  will  be  hushed 
to  repose,  and  our  hearts  will  be  animated  by 
affeetionate  obedience  to  the  will  of  Him  in 
whom  we  live,  and  move,  and  have  our  being, 
and  who  is  infinitely  worthy  to  receive  our  hum- 
ble adorations,  and  our  highest  ascriptions  af 
praise. 


53 


CHAPTER  IV. 

ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

A  DISTINGUISHING  feature  of  the  Christian  re- 
ligion, is  the  state  of  trial  and  of  suffering  it 
involves ;  as  the  grand  mean  of  perfecting  the 
character  of  its  disciples,  bringing  out  their  prin- 
ciples into  active  exercise,  proving  their  sincerity, 
purifying  their  hearts,  elevating  their  affections, 
chastening  and  improving  their  temper  and  dis- 
positions, and  as  the  prelude  to  that  eternal  rest 
and  happiness  which  are  reserved  for  the  people 
of  God,  for  those  icho  are  made  perfect  through 
sufferings. 

It  is  indeed  true,  that  religion's  "  ways  are 
ways  of  pleasantness,  and  all  her  paths  are  paths 
of  peace.''*  Yet  it  is  equally  true,  that,  to  fallen 
man,  the  obedience  it  requires  is  repugnant,  the 
duties  it  enforces  are  painful :  and  the  sufferings 
inseparably  connected  with  its  exercise,  so  far 
from  communicating  peace,  serve  to  excite  the 
angry  turbulence  of  our  nature,  and  to  fill  the 

*  Prov.  iii.  17. 

5* 


54    ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

heart  with  innumerable  solicitudes.  It  is  only 
when  the  mind  becomes  convinced  of  the  infinite 
excellence  of  divine  truth,  of  the  holiness  of  its 
precepts,  and  the  importance  of  the  realities  it 
develops ;  when  the  heart  is  animated  with  the 
love  of  God,  and  with  its  dependence  on  Him  in 
whose  favour  is  life,  that  it  can  unfeignedly  em- 
brace the  self-denying  precepts  of  Christianity, 
that  it  can  rejoice  to  "  suffer  all  things,"  that  it 
may  "  win  Christ,  and  be  found  in  him."  Chris- 
tianity does  not  consist  in  a  certain  scheme  of 
doctrines  and  precepts,  which  demand  our  assent : 
it  is  a  practical  principle,  a  principle  of  action, 
constantly  and  universally  operative,  giving  its 
peculiar  tone  and  temper  to  the  entire  character, 
and  pervading  and  influencing  every  part  of  the 
conduct.  It  is  not  a  principle  which  we  can 
assume  to-day,  and  dispense  with  to-morrow, 
according  to  our  particular  fcehngs  and  interests : 
but  we  must  be  alike  governed  by  its  influence, 
in  whatever  circumstances  we  may  be  placed. 
We  are  not  required,  nor  would  it  be  prudent 
or  proper,  to  be  always  talking  about  religion ; 
but  by  our  example,  which  will  speak  louder  than 
words,  we  should  evince  its  holy  tendency,  and 
regulate  our  conduct  by  its  dictates. 

But  this  by  the  way;  for,  while  the  genius  of 
Christianity  requires  us  to«be  active  in  doing  the 
will  of  God,  it  demands  our  passive  obedience  : 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW..  55 

k  teaches  us  to  suffer,  and  exhibits  a  state  of 
trial  as  the  only  way  to  a  haven  of  eternal  rest. 
The  voice  of  affliction  silently,  but  energetically, 
whispers,  "  My  son,  give  me  thine  heart."* 
God  demands  the  whole  heart :  he  will  reign  in 
the  affections  of  his  people,  and  requires  their 
will  to  be  ceded  implicitly  to  his  commands. 
Sorrow  serves  to  prove  the  heart,  and  to  discover 
to  us  whether  tliis  is  really  the  case — whether 
we  can  resign  our  blessings  into  the  hands  of 
Him  who  gave  them,  with  cheerfulness;  and 
can  still  praise  Him,  though  he  sees  fit  to  smite 
our  choicest  earthly  comforts.  It  informs  us 
whether  we  love  God  supremely,  and  can  readily 
yield  our  present  pleasures  to  advance  his  glory 
and  honour. 

Perhaps  it  is  more  difficult  to  suffer  on  Chris- 
tian principles,  than  it  is  to  be  actively  engaged 
in  doing  good:  and  if  so,  the  more  necessary 
and  important  will  be  the  process  by  which  we 
may  be  taught  to  glorify  God  in  suffering  for  his 
sake.  Affliction  accomplishes  this  object,  since  it 
teaches  the  necessity  of  cultivating,  with  the 
greatest  care  and  diligence,  those  graces  to  which 
the  heart  is  particularly  adverse,  and  especially 
those  which  interfere  with  our  individual  feelings, 
and  spirit,  and  temper. 

*  Prov.  xxiii.  26. 


56     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  SORROW. 

Almost  strangers  to  the  exercise  of  humility^ 
patience,  resignation,  or  obedience,  but  for  the 
goodness  of  God  in  afflicting  us,  it  becomes  us  to 
rejoice  even  in  tribulation,  and  to  receive  the 
chastisements  of  the  Almighty  with  meekness 
and  love.  No  trial  or  difficulty  should  destroy 
our  trust  in  God :  these  are  intended  to  confirm 
our  faith  and  hope,  that  we  may  "  be  steadfast, 
unmoveable,  always  abounding  in  the  work  of 
the  Lord."* 

"  For  this  I  say,  time  is  short ;  it  remaineth, 
therefore,  that  they  that  have  wives,  be  as 
though  they  had  none ;  and  they  that  weep,  as 
though  they  wept  not;  and  they  that  rejoice,  as 
though  they  rejoiced  not ;  for  the  fashion  of  this 
world  passeth  away."f  If,  indeed,  spiritual  and 
eternal  things  were  more  distinctly  seen,  and 
impressively  felt  by  us,  we  should  walk  more  by 
faith,  and  less  by  sight.  Faith  is  a  noble  and  an' 
animating  principle ;  and  whatever  sacrifices  of 
present  enjoyment  may  be  required  by  the  means 
employed  to  generate  or  preserve  this  principle 
until  it  be  ripened  for  immortality,  and  exchanged 
for  the  full  fruition  of  God  in  heaven,  we  shall 
be  gainers  in  the  end:  "  For  I  reckon,  that  the 
sufferings  of  this  present  time  are  not  worthy  to 
be  compared  with  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed 
in  us."| 
•    '1  Cor.  XV.  58         tlCor.vii.  29—31-         I  Rojn.  viii.  18, 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     57 

Grief  silently  but  eloquently  teaches  the  value 
of  intercourse  with  God,  and  proves  that  strength 
and  support  are  to  be  derived  from  communion 
with  him.  Intimate  access  to  a  compassionate 
Saviour  is  a  balm  for  every  sorrow  :  *'  Pour  out 
your  heart  before  him  :  God  is  a  refuge  for  us."* 
We  have  access  to  him  with  boldness. 

We  are  not  only  allowed^  but  encouraged,  to 
speak  all  our  mind  to  him.  We  are  permitted 
to  utter,  and  enlarge,  with  unrestricted  freedom, 
upon  every  complaint,  in  the  immediate  presence 
of  Him  who  numbers  and  keeps  the  tears  of  his 
children,  and  who  delights  to  relieve  and  abun- 
dantly bless  those  that  mourn.  This  is  an  un- 
speakable privilege,  and  it  is  enhanced  by  the 
promise  that  those  who  sow  in  tears  shall  reap 
in  joy.  "  Light,  is  sown  for  the  righteous,  and 
gladness  for  the  upright  in  heart  :"t  and  to  those 
who  continue  waiting  upon  God,  we  may  confi- 
dently expect  the  dawning  of  a  brighter  day. 
Already  the  light  of  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
begins  to  irradiate  the  gloom,  and  the  gladdening 
horizon  will  proclaim  that  he  is  risen  with  healing 
in  his  wings.  Presently  the  dark  clouds  which 
now  envelop  you  shall  pass  away ;  and  your  days 
shall  be  like  "  the  clear  shining  of  the  sun  after 
rain." — "  Wait  then  upon  the  Lord:  be  of  good 

*  Psa.  Ixij.  8."  t  Psa.  xcvii.  IL 


68     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

courage,  and  he  shall  strengthen  thine  heart  i^ 
wait,  I  say,  on  the  Lord."* 

It  is  well  that  we  are  not  left  to  our  own 
guidance,  and  that  all  events  are  entirely  re- 
moved from  the  possibility  of  our  controlling 
them  in  opposition  to  the  will  of  God.  For,  so 
averse  is  the  heart  to  the  salutary  though  unpa- 
latable discipline  of  suffering,  that  if  we  could 
escape  the  trials  and  the  sorrows  with  which  a 
kind  Providence  encompasses  our  path,  we 
should  eagerly  adopt  those  measures  which  ap- 
pear to  promise  an  immunity  from  pain.  Could 
we  choose  the  sphere  in  which  we  would  move, 
we  should  select  a  long  and  uninterrupted  series 
of  present  ease  and  temporal  welfare ;  we  should 
prefer  a  situation  of  respectability  and  affluence ; 
and  nothing  but  prosperous  circumstances  and 
unclouded  prospects  would  enter  into  our  calcu- 
lation. 

But  our  heavenly  Father  is  too  wise  and  good 
to  trust  us  with  the  disposal  of  ourselves.  He 
knows  our  feeble  frame,  and  in  tender  pity  he 
appoints  those  chastisements,  from  which  we  in- 
deed should  shrink,  but  which  are  necessary  for 
our  present  happiness  and  eternal  welfare.  He 
knows  the  temptations  inseparably  connected 
with  a  life  of  ease:  and  while  we  are  sighing 

*  Psa.  xxvii.  14. 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGKS  OF  SORROW.     59 

aftet  riches,  and  honour,  and  prosperity,  he  is 
appointing  us  to  live  in  poverty,  obscurity,  and 
affliction.  It  is  most  for  his  honour  and  our  own 
good  that  we  should  not  move  in  the  sphere  on 
which  we  may  have  fixed  our  hearts,  but  which 
is  thickly  strewed  with  snares,  and  dangers,  and 
temptations. 

And,  indeed,  it  pleased  God  to  make  the  Cap- 
tain of  our  salvation  perfect  through  sufferings. 
In  a  most  emphatic  sense,  the  life  of  the  Author 
of  Christianity  was  a  life  of  suffering ;  and  He 
has  left  us  an  example  of  patience  and  obedi- 
ence, while  he  has  smoothed  the  rugged  way, 
and  divested  it  of  its  native  terrors,  by  having 
pursued  this  path  to  heaven,  where  he  now  sits 
enthroned  in  light  which  is  inaccessible,  and 
calls  his  people  to  follow  him.  And  if  they 
would  be  with  him  where  he  is,  why  should 
they  hesitate  to  tread  in  his  footsteps,  or  fear 
the  thorny  way  ?  There  is  no  affliction  or  pri- 
vation which  the  Christian  is  called  to  suffer 
here,  to  which  Jesus  was  a  stranger ;  for  he  has 
**  borne  our  griefs  and  carried  our  infirmities." 
Since  it  has  pleased  the  Father  to  bruise  him, 
who  was  his  only-begotten  Son,  and  who  was 
especially  the  object  of  his  tenderest  regard,  it 
is  not  surprising  that  his  people  should  be  called 
to  share  the  same  burden,  nor  that  they  should 
esteem  it  light,  and  easy  to  be  borne. 


60     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

Besides,  he  who  knew  the  extremes  of  hu- 
man wo,  has  promised  (after  they  have  suffered 
awhile)  rest  for  the  weary :  he  has  invited  the 
heavy-laden  to  himself,  for  he  will  give  them 
peace  and  rest  on  earth  by  his  presence,  while 
he  has  prepared  for  them  a  crown  of  glory  which 
fadeth  not  away  in  the  mansions  of  the  blessed  : 
He  knows  that  it  is  sin  which  invests  affliction 
with   its   fearful  aspect;   and  that   this   is  the 
grand  mean  of  discovering,  in  the  hearts  of  his 
children,  the  secret  lurking-places  and  fastnesses 
of  this  cruel  enemy.     Were  it  not  for  the  influ- 
ence of  sin  over  the  heart,  we  should  be  enabled, 
in  the  exercise  of  faith,  and  hope,  and  patience, 
to  rejoice  in  tribulation ;   we  should  no  longer 
be  averse  to  its  corrective  discipline,  however 
painful ;  we  should  quietly  rest  ourselves  in  God, 
under  every  changing  scene ;  we  should  rejoice 
in  being  counted  vi^orthy  to  suffer  for  his  sake. 
But  for  the  agency  of  sin,  we  should  be  bewil- 
dered by  no  clouded  prospects,  we   should  be 
harassed  by  no  distressing  doubts  and  perplexi- 
ties;   we  should  be  agitated  by  no  fearful  re- 
trospect; and  we  should  be  reheved  from  the 
recollection   of  mispent  hours,    cold   affections, 
and  innumerable  wanderings  from  the  Rock  of 
our  salvation.     These  we  contemplate  as  in  a 
ffreat  decree  the  causes  which  have  rendered 
necessary  the  affliction  under  which  we  sufien 


OTJ  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.  61 

Solid  peace  of  mind  will  be  thus  obtained,  in 
exchange  for  that  feeble  security  which  arises 
from  distorted  views  of  ourselves,  our  prin- 
ciples, and  conduct,  or  from  carelessness  and 
neglect. 

This  tranquillity  is  confirmed  by  the  aug- 
mented capacity  of  the  mind  for  the  enjoyment 
of  the  pleasures  of  religion.  Suffering  has  an 
immediate  tendency,  not  only  to  multiply  the 
sources  of  our  moral  happiness,  but  to  give  such 
an  increased  sensibility  to  the  conscience,  so  much 
additional  power  of  discrimination  to  the  judg- 
ment, and  of  renewed  fervour  to  the  affections, 
that  we  become  more  careful  in  our  walk  and 
conversation,  more  heavenly-minded,  more  at- 
tached to  the  ways  of  religion  and  the  oracles 
of  divine  truth;  we  increasingly  fear  sinning 
against  God,  and  in  walking  more  circumspectly 
we  obtain  peace. 

When  affliction  accomplishes  the  design  with 
which  God  has  commissioned  it,  it  produces 
repentance  and  contrition :  for,  *'  behold  this 
self-same  thing,  that  ye  sorrowed  after  a  godly 
sort,  what  carefulness  it  wrought  in  you,  yea^ 
what  clearing  of  yourselves,  yea,  what  indigna- 
tion, yea,  what  fear,  yea,  v/hat  vehement  desire, 
yea,  what  zeal,  yea,  what  revenge  !"*     In  all 

•2Cor.vihll, 

6 


62     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

this,    it  is  evident,  that  repentance   forms  the 
groundwork   of  the   superstructure,     and   that 
"  godly  sorrow"  is  the  great  end  and  design  of 
sanctified  affliction.     It  is  sin  alone  which  ren- 
ders painful  that  suffering  which  is  intended  to 
discover  to  us  its  secret  malignity  and  influence. 
We   are   probably  by  no  means  aware  of  its 
extent:  we  may  be  slumbering  in  placid  ease, 
flattering  ourselves  that  we  are  travelling  with 
our  faces  towards  a  heavenly  world,  and  pre- 
paring for  its  blest  inheritance;  while,  in  fact, 
we  are  unprofitable  serv^ants;   while  we  come 
under  the  curse  denounced  against  those  who 
are  "at  ease  in  Zion;"  while  we  are  making 
no  progress  in  the  divine  life,   but  are  rather 
retrograde,  than  advancing  day  by  day  in  the 
knowledge  and  love  of  God  ;  while  we  are  con- 
stantly deviating  from  the  line  of  rectitude  pre- 
scribed  by   the  word   of  God,    and   while  our 
hearts  are  estranged  from  the  fountain  of  living 
waters  by  a  thousand  cc^res  and  solicitudes. 

But  we  are  visited  by  affliction ;  we  are  brought 
acquainted  with  ourselves,  and  are  obliged  to  fly 
for  refuge  to  the  only  Source  of  real  comfort ; 
the  visionary  fabric  of  our  own  righteousness 
is  dissipated,  and  we  discover  in  our  bosoms, 
instead  of  peace  and  holiness,  nothing  but  folly, 
sin,  and  error.  Our  attention  has  been  absorbed 
by  objects  of  inferior  importance,  while  we  have 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     63 

scarcely  fixed  one  wandering  affection  upon  God. 
We  find  much  sin,  where  we  had  fancied  there 
existed  little  else  than  purity ;  and  thus  are  we 
brought  to  repent  and  confess  our  sin  to  God, 
and  to  seek  his  pardon  through  the  sacrifice  of 
a  crucified  Redeemer.  We  are  awakened  from 
a  state  of  lethargy  as  to  our  present  and  future 
prospects,  and  obUvion  of  our  past  mercies,  to 
a  consciousness  of  our  aberrations  from  God. 

It  is  well  to  contemplate  the  gracious  Dis- 
penser of  afliiction,  rather  than  refer  its  origin 
to  those  secondary  causes  which  are  governed  by 
the  great  First   Cause,     While  we  confine  our 
views  to  the  events  which  have  been  appointed  to 
accomplish  the  trials  with  which  we  are  visited, 
we   shall  be   involved   in  endless   perplexities. 
We  shall,  perhaps,  regret  that  our  conduct  has 
been  instrumental  in  bringing  about  the   very 
cause  of  our  sorrow ;  and  shall  imagine  a  thou- 
sand neglected  opportunities  of  having  escaped 
the  present  source  of  our  affliction.     We  shall 
be  equally  anxious  to   calculate  the   events  to 
which  this  may  give  rise,  to  devise  plans  where- 
by we  may  avoid  our  burdens,   and  elude  the 
consequences  with    which    they   are    attended. 
Thus  will  the  mind  be  harassed  by  care,  so  long 
as  its  finite  views  are  engaged  on  the  subject  of 
its  sorrow ;  but  when  we  regard  a  gracious  God 
accomphshing  his  designs  in   us,  through  the 


64     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

medium  of  his  chastening  providence,  all  is 
harmony  and  beauty.  We  admire  his  goodness 
in  afflicting  us,  his  compassion  in  soothing  and 
alleviating  our  cares,  his  love  in  leading  us  to 
repentance,  to  a  more  intimate  acquaintance 
with  himself,  and  to  a  more  complete  knovi^ledgc 
of  our  own  hearts. 

Jehovah  is  our  refuge  and  strength,  when  "  the 
storm  of  the  terrible  ones  is  as  a  blast  against 
the  wall."  We  learn  our  own  helplessness  and 
dependence,  and  we  come  to  him  as  the  only 
source  of  consolation :  we  raise  the  half-express- 
ed desire  to  heaven,  and  he  is  ready  to  attend 
unto  oLir  cry.  In  his  own  time,  God  will  work 
deliverance  for  us,  and  he  is  willing  to  give  us 
every  consolation ;  to  heal  our  back-slidings,  and 
afford  us  peace — a  blessing  infinitely  greater 
than  the  possession  we  have  lost,  if  enjoyed 
without  the  smiles  of  his  reconciled  counte- 
nance. 

Affliction  invites  us  to  pray  to  God  for  sup- 
port under  our  trials,  and  for  their  removal, 
when  consistent  with  the  will  of  their  compas- 
sionate Author.  If  sorrow  produces  a  good  effect 
upon  our  hearts,  and  we  derive  any  lasting  ad- 
vantage from  suffering,  one  of  the  first  lessons 
we  shall  learn,  will  be,  the  vanity  and  folly  of 
looking  to  the  creature  for  assistance  and  sup- 
port, and  the  danger  of  placing  our  confidence 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     65 

m  any  thing  short  of  the  consoling  presence  of 
God.  Our  dearest  earthly  comforts  are  removed, 
and  whither  shall  we  go  for  consolation  ? 

The  world  can  offer  no  equivalent  for  our  loss; 
it  may  indeed  present  its  unmeaning  condolence, 
it  may  invite  us  to  join  in  its  recreations,  it  may 
exhibit  its  pleasures  as  a  source  of  peace.     But 
if  we   are  not  yet  throughly  convinced  of  the 
emptiness  of  what  the  world  calls  pleasure,  and 
the   unsatisfactory  nature   of  the  happiness  it 
affords,  we  shall  now  be  taught  this  important 
lesson;   for  engaging  in  its   proffered   amuse- 
ments, and  tasting  all  the  happiness  it  boasts, 
w^e  may  indeed  feel  its  excitement  for  a  time, 
but  the  result  will  be  the  dissipation  of  pain  and 
mourning  for  a  moment,  only  to  recur  with  in- 
creasing violence  from  the  exhaustion  which  the 
spirits  have  suffered,   and  from   the  conscious 
feeling,  that  here  is  no  rest  for  the  weary,  no 
consolation   for   the   distressed.     We  seek  for 
peace,  but  there  is  none;   for  quietude,  but  it 
does,  and  in  scenes  hke  these  ever  will,  elude 
our  pursuit.    Society  will  not  tolerate  the  feelings 
of  the  mourner,  it  will  not  indulge  his  gloomy 
speculations.     This  would  cast  a  chilling  damp 
upon  its  gaieties,  and  mildew  all  its  pleasures. 
In  society,  the  sorrowful  must  be  gay,  and  con- 
tribute his  share  to  the  general  hilarity :  this  he 
cannot  do;  and  the  powers  of  his  mind  are  en- 
6* 


66     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

feebled  by  the  continued  effort  to  wear  a  face  of 
pleasure  with  a  heart  of  pain. 

Neither  can  he  derive  peace  from  pursuits  of 
a  Horary  nature.  These  may  enhven  his  soU- 
tude,  and  cheer  his  darkest  hours,  when  held  in 
subservience  to  objects  of  greater  importance. 
They  present  a  fund  of  pleasure  which  will 
never  cloy — an  amusement  which  provides  the 
capacity  for  its  enjoyment,  as  well  as  the  source 
whence  it  is  derived ;  and  which  is  constantly 
increasing  with  every  fresh  acquisition  of  know- 
ledge. The  mind  of  the  man  of  taste  is  strength- 
ened and  refreshed  by  reading ;  and  the  sources 
of  his  pleasure  are  augmented  by  a  thousand 
associations  of  which  another  is  incapable :  and 
the  more  amply  this  taste  is  indulged,  the 
greater  will  be  his  sensibility,  the  more  multi- 
plied and  lasting  will  be  his  gratifications.  Yet 
these  pursuits  are  insufficient ;  for  the  time  will 
arrive  when  they  can  no  longer  be  enjoyed :  the 
mind  becomes  fatigued  from  constant  exercise ; 
it  loses  its  elasticity,  and  consequent  power  of 
action,  from  unremitting  exertion,  and  is  no 
longer  capable  of  receiving  pleasure  from  its 
appropriate  stimuli.  A  period  of  rest  and  re- 
laxation is  required,  and  where  now  will  be 
found  a  refuge  from  the  inroads  of  grief?  What 
can  quiet  the  troubled  bosom  during  the  sleepless 
night  ?     What  can  give  peace  to  the  agitated 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     67 

heart,  through  the  wearisome  days  of  indisposi- 
tion, or  divert  those  cares  which  rob  the  mind 
of  its  power  to  enjoy  Uterary  pleasure  ?  Some 
other  source  of  comfort  must  be  devised ;  and 
yet  there  is  none  to  which  a  rational  being  can 
resort  for  certain  consolation.  When  his  books 
fail  of  affording  pleasure,  (and  they  must  fail, 
from  the  alliance  of  the  powers  of  the  soul  with 
mortality,  and  its  consequent  susceptibility  of 
fatigue  and  exhaustion,)  he  has  no  refuge. 

But  the  mourner  may  seek  for  happiness  in 
the  domestic  pleasures  which  are  still  left  him. 
And  yet,  with  the  late  instructive  lesson  full  in 
his  memory,  of  the  uncertainty  of  domestic  hap- 
piness, it  would  be  the  extreme  of  folly  to  look 
for  comfort  from  a  source  so  frail,  which  a 
moment  may  destroy.  Depending  on  the  con- 
tinuance of  the  slender  thread  of  life,  which  the 
motion  of  an  atom  may  divide,  and  on  an  abso- 
lute freedom,  in  the  social  circle,  from  the 
slightest  cause  of  infeUcity,  the  foundation  of 
domestic  happiness  has  been  undermined :  and 
when  the  sufferer  reflects,  that  perhaps  only 
yesterday  he  was  gratulating  himself  on  the 
unclouded  sunshine  of  his  days,  cheered  and 
animate4  by  that  sun  to  his  domestic  system, 
which  has  now  suffered  an  eternal  eclipse,  he 
cannot  surely  rest  in  this  as  a  source  of  conso- 
lation.    He  may  indeed  rejoice  in  the  comforts 


68     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

he  has  left,  but  he  will  not  seek  them  for  solid 
peace  of  mind.  Thus  is  he  taught  the  impossi- 
bility of  the  world's  affording  him  happiness ;  he 
learns  that  the  fascinating  pursuits  of  literature 
will  not  procure  his  freedom  from  the  inroads  of 
care  ;  and  is  guarded  from  estimating  too  highly, 
and  placing  his  affections  too  intensely,  on  his 
yet  remaining  comforts. 

Whither,  then,  must  he  flee  for  rest  and  peace  ? 
He  is  not  left  without  comfort  and  without  hope, 
destitute  of  support  and  consolation,  a  prey  to 
hopeless  sorrow  !  For  there  is  a  voice,  saying, 
**  I  am  with  you  always :  I  will  not  leave  you 
comfortless.  Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace 
I  give  unto  you :  not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I 
unto  you."*  Religion  is  the  only  source  of  solid 
peace.  When,  and  only  when  we  enjoy  these 
comforts,  can  we  be  happy  in  appealing  to  Hea- 
ven. Without  a  direct  reference  to  the  Holy 
Spirit,  the  Comforter,  as  the  author  of  serenity, 
we  shall  be  unhappy :  but  if  we  trust  in  him 
alone  for  support,  we  shall  be  little  anxious 
about  coming  events,  for  we  shall  be  possessed 
of  that  better  part  which  can  never  be  taken 
from  us.  Come,  then,  to  this  source  of  every 
blessing,  and  with  humble  faith  implore  the 
Divine  Majesty  for  restinhim;  pray  for  patience 

*  Matt,  xxviii.  20;  John  xiv.  27. 


ON  THE  ADVAiNTAGES  OF  SORROW.  69 

and  resignation  to  his  chastening  hand,  and 
entreat  deliverance  in  his  time  only,  and  with 
entire  submission  to  the  guidance  and  disposal 
of  Infinite  Wisdom.  Leaving  yourself  in  his 
hands,  you  will  be  secure;  your  mind  will  be 
freed  from  corroding  anxieties,  and  filled  with 
that  peace  which  passeth  understanding. 

Another  important  lesson  may  be  derived  from 
this  affliction,  viz.  the  folly  of  placing  our  depen- 
dence on  earthly  comforts,  and  seeking  happi- 
ness from  any  objects  which  do  not  raise  our 
thoughts  and  affections  far  beyond  the  present 
passing  scene.  We  are  feelingly  reminded  that 
the  comforts  we  enjoy  are  not  our  own,  that  they 
belong  to  God,  that  they  are  the  product  of  his 
bounty;  and  that  as  he  is  almighty  to  bestow 
his  blessings,  so  is  he  all^dse  to  withdraw  them 
for  his  own  glory,  or  for  our  benefit.  Mortality 
is  stamped  upon  every  enjoyment.  A  single 
moment  may  dissipate  all  our  fairy  scenes  of 
happiness,  and  leave  us  without  one  ray  of  hope 
or  comfort  to  be  derived  from  inferior  objects. 
God  is  our  refuge  during  the  storms  of  sorrow ; 
and  since  he  is  likewise  the  Author  of  every 
blessing,  would  it  not  be  wiser  to  rejoice  in  hitih 
as  our  sun  and  shield,  to  protect  us  from  danger 
during  the  hours  of  prosperity,  and  to  guide  our 
wandering  feet  ? 

If  our  affections  were  but  fixed  half  so  ear- 


70    ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

nestly  on  the  Author  and  Giver  of  every  good 
and  perfect  gift,  as  they  too  frequently  are  ex- 
clusively on  the  gift  itself,  we  should  little  fear 
the  cares  and  troubles  of  life ;  and  our  happiness 
would  be  established  on  a  basis  which  death 
itself  could  not  impair.  But  until  mortality  shall 
be  exchanged  for  everlasting  life,  we  shall  carry 
about  with  us  the  evil  tendencies  of  the  heart ; 
and  these  will  incline  us  from  God,  and  fix  our 
hearts  on  earthly  objects  and  pursuits.  Yet  we 
should  learn  not  to  dote  too  intensely  on  the 
comforts  we  still  enjoy,  not  to  love  these  the 
more  inordinately  because  we  have  fewer  objects 
to  engage  our  attention ;  since  this  would  be  to 
defeat  the  great  end  of  affliction,  which  is  to 
wean  our  hearts  from  this  world  and  its  idols. 

The  human  mind  is  naturally  disposed  to 
expand  its  feeble  powers  in  the  exercise  of  be- 
nevolence to  the  creature  simply,  and  to  rest 
with  delight  on  the  objects  which  immediately 
surround  it,  rather  than  on  God.  Nor  is  this 
surprising :  for,  to  love  those  with  whom  reci- 
procal acts  of  kindness  are  exchanged,  requires 
no  effort — it  is  natural,  as  to  hunger  or  thirst ; 
and  the  mind  is  restless  and  uneasy,  unless 
engaged  with  its  favourite  pursuit.  But  to  love 
God,  and  to  prefer  him,  requires  the  habitual 
exercise  of  a  superinduced  principle,  a  principle 
of  faith,  a  principle  totally  adverse  to  the  bia« 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.  71 

of  the  human  mind,  and  which  grace  alone  can 
implant.  God  is  a  spirit ;  nor  is  it  easy,  till  we 
love  him  in  sincerity,  to  form  just  conceptions  of 
him  who  is  infinite  in  holiness,  power,  and  love ; 
while  the  objects  of  earthly  love  are  present  to 
Our  senses,  and  thus  acquire  an  ascendancy,  a 
commanding  influence  over  the  heart,  which 
aims  to  be  progressively  increasing,  and  would 
aspire  to  occupy  the  whole  soul. 

The  world  is  the  narrow  circle  in  which  we 
are  appointed  to  move,  from  the  circumference 
of  which,  every  thought,  feeling,  and  action 
should  converge  to  God,  as  its  centre.  We  are 
too  much  disposed  to  fix  the  world  as  the  centre, 
towards  which  all  our  desires  and  affections 
gravitate,  and  in  which  every  thought  and  feel- 
ing, drawn  from  the  circumference  of  action, 
should  meet  and  rest.  We  forget  that  the  pre- 
sent is  a  season  of  preparation  for  a  future  state* 
We  lose  sight  of  the  great  design  of  living,  the 
promotion  of  the  glory  of  God,  in  the 'indulgence 
of  selfish  gratification :  we  forget  that  we  are  his 
creatures,  and  we  live  as  if  we  formed  ourselves, 
and  were  our  own. 

Even  supposing  we  acknowledge  our  depen-*- 
dence  upon  God,  his  sovereign  authority  over  us, 
his  entire  property  in  us,  and  that  he  is  entitled 
to  our  supreme  regards ;  yet  we  shall  find,  that 
prevailing  earthly  attachments  exert  an  injurious; 


^^  ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORKOW. 

influence  over  the  mind.  They  dispute  the  pos- 
session  of  the  heart  with  the  Lord  of  Hosts,  and 
challenge  their  full  share  of  the  affections.  The 
Christian's  love  grows  cold,  and  consequently  his 
vitality  inert.  He  is  no  longer  active  and  zealous 
in  the  cause  of  religion,  but  imagines  a  thousand 
excuses  for  indolence :  he  is  no  longer  diligent 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duties,  and  lightly  esteems 
the  worship  of  the  Most  High.  In  secret,  he  is 
disinclined  to  inquire  into  his  motives,  and  to 
examine  the  principles  of  his  conduct ;  in  his 
intercessions,  he  is  lifeless  and  formal ;  his  bosom 
is  filled  with  worldly  projects,  and  his  time  occu- 
pied with  the  selfish  enjoyment  of  his  unnumbered 
mercies.  He  forgets  the  hand  which  provides 
even  these,  and  Ipoks  no  farther  than  to  second- 
ary causes  as  their  origin.  He  seldom  thinks 
about  religion,  and  when  he  does,  it  is  more  as  a 
matter  of  speculation  than  as  the  grand  pursuit 
of  his  whole  life.  He  readily  admits  excuses  for 
the  dereliction  of  duty,  and  can  scarcely  find 
time  for  any  engagement  which  does  not  directly 
or  remotely  tend  to  strengthen  his  attachment 
to  earthly  objects.  He  thinks,  speaks,  and  acts 
as  a  good  citizen  of  this  world,  and  not  as  one 
who  is  mindful  of  *'  that  better  country,"  to  which 
it  should  be  his  great  aim  to  hasten.  Christianity 
may  be  kept  alive  in  such  a  heart  as  this,  but  it 
liannot  grow  and  flourish :  it  may,  indeed,  put 


<5N  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     73 

forth  the  sickly  leaves  and  variegated  hues  of 
profession ;  but  it  cannot  produce  good  fruit  to 
the  praise  and  glory  of  God. 

Heaven  should  be  the  Christian's  home,  and 
God  the  great  source  and  object  of  his  delight* 
The  duties  of  rehgion  should  engage  his  whole 
soul ;  and  its  pleasures,  its  consolations,  and  its 
prospects  should  so  fill  the  heart,  as  to  leave 
little  room  for  the  caprices  of  earthly  love.  Yet 
it  is  obvious  that  this  is  quite  impossible,  when 
the  mind  is  fully  occupied  with  the  concerns,  and 
the  heart  solely  absorbed  by  the  affections  of 
mortality ;  and  that  in  proportion  as  this  is  the 
case,  so  will  the  growth  and  exercise  of  Christian 
principle  be  stunted  and  repressed. 

Heaven-born  Christianity  cannot  be  made  to 
flourish  in  an  earthly  soil.  The  warm  hue  of 
this  sickly  exotic  proclaims  that  it  is  "ready  to 
die,"  and  that  the  only  method  of  preserving  its 
vitality,  is  to  cut  it  down,  and  remove  it  to  a 
situation  more  congenial  with  its  nature.  This 
is  God's  gracious  design  in  sending  affliction. 
As  a  tender  husbandman,  he  looks  upon  every 
plant  in  his  vineyard;  he  perceives  that  there 
are  some  which  are  sickly  and  unfruitful ;  yet  he 
does  not  destroy  them,  but  graciously  removes 
the  soil  into  which  they  have  wandered,  that  by 
rooting  more  deeply  in  their  native  plain,  and  de- 
riving tkeir  support  from  its  pure  source,  they 
7 


74     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

may  bud,  blossom,  and  bring  forth  fruit  to  his 
glory. 

A  compassionate  Jehovah  sees  the  injurious 
influence  of  creature  attachments  ;  and  to  warn 
us  of  our  danger,  he  kindly  takes  away  their  ob- 
ject; and  is  thus  pleased  to  weaken  our  interest 
©n  earth,  and  strengthen  our  desires  after  him- 
self. He  knows  precisely  where  our  affections 
are  most  deeply  fixed :  and  as  he  will  not  tolerate 
a  rival  in  our  hearts,  he  beneficently  removes 
the  idol ;  and  thus  informs  us  at  once,  that  we 
were  inordinately  attached  to  present  scenes, 
declares  the  sin  for  which  he  afflicts  us,  and 
invites  us  to  himself  as  an  all-sufficient  portion. 
As  our  hearts  become  detached  from  earth,  so 
will  they  be  fixed  in  heaven ;  and  thus  every  pur- 
pose is  most  kindly  effected  through  the  agency 
of  sorrow.  Divine  goodness  commissions  afliic- 
tion,  to  divest  the  world  of  its  enchantments,  to 
unmask  its  delusive  features,  strip  its  pleasures 
of  the  glittering  tinsel  in  which  they  are  arrayed^ 
disclose  its  real  nature,  and  unvail  its  hidden  de* 
formities.  We  are  enabled  to  look  on  its  pass- 
ing scenes  with  composure,  and  candidly  to  ac^ 
knowledge  its  emptiness,  its  entire  unworthiness 
of  our  affections.  Our  thoughts  are  abstracted 
from  its  vanities,  and  our  conviction  is  deepened 
(if  the  infinite  importance  of  eternal  objects. 

While  suffering  is  rendered  useful  to  convince 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  SORROW.     '75 

the  judgment,  it  is  equally  powerful  to  correct 
the  heart,  to  restore  its  obliquities,  and  lead  it 
to  drink  deeply  of  the  spirit  of  the  Saviour. 
This  end  is  accomplished  by  discovering  to  us 
its  corruptions,  and  their  secret  influence  on  the 
conduct  of  the  life.  During  the  halcyon  days  of 
prosperity,  perhaos  we  made  few  inquiries  con- 
cerning its  state ;  we  conceived  all  was  going  on 
well,  because  we  were  in  peace;  and  we  were 
so  dazzled  by  the  brilliance  of  our  prospects  as 
to  be  unable  to  discern  the  deviations  we  had 
gradually,  though  insensibly,  made  from  the 
narrow  path  of  rectitude.  But  when  we  feel  the 
weight  of  sorrow,  we  begin  to  scrutinize  within ; 
and  we  are  struck  by  the  existence  of  palpable 
deformities,  which  we  had  overlooked  before,  or 
even  mistaken  for  excellencies.  We  become  ac- 
quainted with  ourselves,  and  with  our  distance 
from  the  pure  standard  of  divine  truth.  We 
rise  from  these  humiliating  considerations,  with 
mournful  reflections  on  the  past,  but  with  fixed 
determination  to  oppose  these  very  corruptions, 
in  the  strength  of  divine  grace ;  and  are  stimu- 
lated to  seek  after  greater  attainments  of  holi- 
ness, and  to  walk  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 

It  is  justly  observed  in  medicine,  that  the 
knowledge  of  a  disease  is  more  than  half  its  cure. 
So  it  is  with  the  mind.  It  will  slumber  in  secu- 
rity, unconscious  of  evil ;  but  when  awakened  by 


76  ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

sorrow,  it  discovers  the  secret  perversity  of  its 
actions,  and  is  animated  to  oppose  its  wander- 
ings. The  principles  of  divine  grace  are  called 
into  more  vigorous  exercise :  and  as  one  devia- 
tion from  the  path  of  rectitude  paves  the  way 
for  another,  and  successively  renders  opposition 
to  evil  less  and  less  energetic  and  effective,  so 
will  the  foundations  of  virtue  be  strengthened  by 
exercise ;  the  delusive  flatteries  of  vice  and  of  the 
world  will  each  day  exert  an  inferior  influence ; 
and  at  the  same  time,  opposition  to  their  power 
will  be  daily  increased  and  rendered  more  suc- 
cessful, till  it  ripens  into  a  habit,  the  involuntary 
product  of  an  active  principle,  inwrought  into 
the  soul,  and  interwoven  with  the  life. 

Thus  is  the  heart  prepared  for  greater  attain- 
ments in  piety  and  knowledge,  and  strengthened 
to  enjoy  the  smiles  of  prosperity  without  danger, 
and  to  encounter  the  frowns  of  adversity  with- 
out dismay :  whilst,  by  discovering  how  great  are 
its  propensities  to  evil,  affliction  excites  a  fear  of 
oflfending  God,  and  wandering  from  his  way,  and 
is  admirably  calculated  to  preserve  the  Christian 
from  falling  into  the  snares  of  his  subtle  adver- 
sary. He  is  taught  to  avoid  whatever  may  have 
even  a  remote  tendency  to  irritate  his  sorrow; 
he  is  desirous  of  not  offending  God,  and  there- 
fore prays,  and  earnestly  strives,  to  behave  with 
meekness  and  gentleness,  and  submission  to  the 
will  of  Heaven. 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  SORROW.     7t 

Affliction    is   the   means    of    perfecting    the 
Christian's  character  :  deprived  of  its  animating 
influence,  he  would  lose  much  of  the  worth  of 
his  greatest  pleasures,  and  would  be  debarred 
from  attaining  the  most  valuable  principles.     It 
is  an  affecting  proof  of  the  depravity  of  human 
nature,  that  we  so. frequently  need  this  painful 
exercise  to  remind  us  of  our  duties  and  of  our  de- 
pendence upon  God,  to  excite  our  diligence  and 
quicken  our  exertions  in  the  cause  of  Christ,  to 
teach  us  the  important  lesson  of  our  mortality,  and 
the  necessity  of  being  active  while  it  is  yet  day, 
since  the  "night  cometh,  when  no  man  can  work." 
It  is  a  proof  of  the  loving-kindness  of  God  to 
his  people,  that   when  he  sees  them  wandering 
from  himself,   the  fountain  of  blessedness,   he 
should  graciously  recall  them:   for  he  chastens 
us  in  love ;  his  corrections  are  lighter  than  our 
sins  ;  he  compassionates  our  helpless  condition  ^ 
and,  while  he  suits  his  mercies  to  our  sorrowing 
state,  he  causes  us  to  feel  only  just  so  much  aa 
will  excite  us  to  lift  up  our  hearts  to  himself. 
The  wicked  enjoy  his  common  favours  ;  but  it  is. 
for  the  good  that  he  reserves  his  choicest  bless- 
ings,  and    particularly   those    of    an    afflictive 
nature.  While  "our  Father  which  is  in  heaven" 
is  governed,  as  to  the  nature  and  weight  of  our 
trials,  by  the  most  enlarged  affection,  he  has  an 
especial  regard  to  our  good,  since  he  administers 
7* 


78     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  SORROW* 

a  degree  of  correction  commensurate  with  the 
end  to  be  accompHshed :  even  to  make  us  more 
wise,  more  humble,  more  holy,  more  teachable 
and  childlike,  more  dependent  upon  him,  more 
devoted  to  his  service.  He  does  not  wantonly 
or  unnecessarily  inflict  pain,  but  to  quicken  us 
in  the  exercise  of  faith,  and  hope,  and  every 
virtuous  active  principle.  He  would  have  us  to 
know  more  of  himself,  and  to  grow  in  confor- 
mity with  the  image  of  our  Redeemer.  He 
wills  that  our  understandings  should  be  enlarged 
to  see  more  beauty  in  the  Saviour,  that  our 
hearts  should  be  expanded,  and  our  affections 
guided  by  his  love;  that  our  principles  should 
be  tried  and  estabhshed;  and  that  the  love  of 
holiness  should  be  more  deeply  written  in  our 
practice.  He  aims  to  make  us  active  and  zealous 
Christians,  that  we  may  show  forth  his  praise,  and 
prove  the  sincerity  of  our  attachment  to  his  cause. 
This  great  end  is  accomplished  by  exciting 
in  us  an  earnest  diligence  to  search  and  try  our 
hearts  and  thoughts,  our  dispositions  and  actions, 
and  to  se^  that  they  be  right  with  God.  This 
circumstance  alone  would  render  affliction  un- 
speakably valuable ;  because  it  is  only  by  a  dis- 
tant and  confused  view  of  our  conduct  that  we 
are  so  frequently  deceived  as  to  our  motives 
and  principles ;  while  we  discover,  on  closer 
inspection,  that  these  are  very  unlike  what  we 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  S0RReW.     79 

had  expected.  From  a  distance  we  behold  a 
lovely  landscape,  adorned  with  nature's  richest 
attire;  and  we  are  induced  to  imagine  that 
nothing  but  beauty  and  excellence  can  here  be 
traced;  that  no  venomous  reptile  lurks  along 
the  verdant  plain;  that  no  poisonous  shrub 
grows  unseen  beneath  the  protection  of  the 
stately  oak  ;  and  that  the  stillness  which  reigns 
around  is  never  interrupted  by  the  accents  of 
distress,  but  only  by  the  soft  murmurings  of  the 
distant  stream. 

In  the  dream  of  imagination,  we  conceive 
that  happiness  reigns  in  the  sequestered  cot, 
whose  issuing  smoke  informs  us  of  the  abode  of 
man ;  and  that  innocence  and  joy  are  alone  in- 
habitants of  this  peaceful  region.  Yet  how  dif- 
ferent, and  how  distant  from  the  truth  is  this 
idea!  A  closer  inspection  will  discover  much 
to  deplore — much  to  dislike.  So  it  is  with  our- 
selves :  we  appear  best,  placed  with  our  own 
features  at  a  distance,  while  a  more  intimate 
acquaintance  brings  to  our  sight  many  an  un- 
subdued passion,  many  a  turbulent  and  sinful 
thought,  many  an  earthly  bias,  and  a  thousand 
evils  which  would  have  escaped  unseen,  but  for 
the  afflictive  event  which  has  induced  us  to  look 
within  our  own  bosom,  and  to  seek  acquaintance 
with  our  own  hearts.  Perhaps  much  thought- 
lessness and  levity  have  hitherto  marked  our 


80    ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  SORROW. 

conduct ;  and  that  cheerfulness  which  the  geniuK 
of  Christianity  demands,  has  too  frequently  de- 
generated into  an  offensive  inconsideration. 
Affliction  tends  to  weaken  the  influence  of  this 
faihng,  and  to  show  us  the  value  of  sobriety  and 
vigilance. 

If  we  bear  correction  as  we  ought,  if  we  are 
desirous  of  reaping  the  benefit  intended  by  God, 
we  shall  be  brought  to  inquire  into  his  design : 
and  besides,  the  necessary  consequence  of  this 
trial,  and  its  attendant  temporary  abstraction 
from  our  customary  pursuits,  is,  that  we  are 
obliged  to  commune  with  our  own  hearts ;  and 
it  is  almost  impossible  not  to  be  engaged  on  such 
occasions  with  the  most  serious  thoughts.  Nor 
can  we  again  very  readily  lose  the  impression  ; 
we  carry  it  along  with  us  into  the  world,  and  our 
whole  conduct  and  intercourse  with  it  is  tinged 
with  seriousness,  not  with  the  mere  influence  of 
depressed  spirits,  not  with  the  simple  feeling  of 
our  present  loss,  nor  with  the  moroseness  of  the 
solitary,  but  with  serious  cheerfulness,  arising  on 
the  one  hand  from  a  view  of  the  importance  of 
affliction,  and  on  the  other,  from  reflection  on 
the  consoling  ray  with  which  Christianity  cheers 
and  illumines  our  prospects. 

Affliction,  when  it  is  well  sustained,  affords 
the  means  of  improving  every  part  of  the  Chris- 
tian character.     It  is  a  disciphne  which,   by 


ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     81 

pruning  redundancies,  discovering  and  healing 
diseases,  and  exciting  and  encouraging  languid 
actions  and  dormant  principles,  diffuses  its  in- 
fluence over  the  heart,  and  consequently  shows 
itself  in  the  life,  in  more  correct  and  energetic 
practice,  more  diligence,  more  of  the  Christian 
spirit,  and  of  resemblance  to  the  Christian's 
great  and  perfect  Exemplar,  more  entire  devot- 
edness  to  the  service  of  the  Most  High. 

The  great  design  of  the  Christian's  life  should 
be  to  promote  the  glory  of  God,  and  extend  the 
limits  of  his  kingdom.  And  yet  how  feeble  his 
exertions !  how  cold  and  lifeless  his  endeavours, 
how  inadequate  to  the  magnitude  of  the  design 
to  be  accomplished !  There  is  none  who  does 
all  that  he  might  and  ought  to  do  in  this  great 
cause  :  and  how  many  are  content  to  hide  their 
talent  in  a  napkin,  to  sepulchrate  their  influ- 
ence, and  to  attempt  nothing  towards  the  at- 
tainment of  an  object  so  magnificent! 

Affliction,  by  promoting  a  habit  of  self-inspec- 
tion, produces  a  conviction  of  our  unprofitable- 
ness, leads  us  to  set  a  greater  value  on  religion, 
and  to  venerate  more  highly  its  gracious  Author : 
whilst,  by  teaching  us  the  vanity  and  insuffi- 
ciency of  the  joys  and  prospects  of  the  present 
life,  it  weans  our  hearts  from  the  world,  en- 
feebles our  attachment  to  its  scenes,  brings  to 
our  views  the  crown  of  joy  reserved  in  heaven 


82     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW. 

for  those  who  love  and  serve  God ;  and  thus  has 
a  direct  tendency  to  elevate  our  thoughts  above 
the  feelings  and  maxims  of  the  day,  and  teaches 
us  to  seek  guidance  and  direction  from  the  God 
of  all  grace,  with  the  humble  desire  of  being 
entirely  devoted  to  his  service. 

In  the  exercise  of  this  principle  we  are  not 
simply  desirous  of  being  employed  actively  in 
the  execution  of  his  purposes  :  but  if  he  pleases 
to  place  us  in  obscurity,  to  thwart  our  schemes 
of  active  duty,  and  to  try  the  fixedness  of  our 
trust  in  him,  by  requiring  us  to  -surrender,  not 
only  ourselves,  but  all  our  concerns,  all  we  are, 
and  have,  and  think,  and  feel,  and  do,  to  his 
will,  we  are  prepared  to  yield  submissively  to  his 
disposal.  There  can  be  no  such  thing  as  reser- 
vation here ;  God  will  have  the  whole  heart,  and 
will  not  endure  its  partition  by  a  rival. 

This  devotedness  of  the  heart  to  God  is  not 
an  occasional  impulse,  but  a  constant  principle 
of  action ;  it  does  not  consist  in  any  outward 
sign,  which  may  be  assumed  to-day,  and  laid 
aside  to-morrow ;  it  does  not  extend  to  one  part 
«f  the  conduct  only,  while  the  rest  is  tinctured 
with  the  wild  impulse  of  ungoverned  passion ; 
it  does  not  show  itself  in  some  particular  instan- 
ces, while  the  general  disposition  of  the  mind  is 
averse  to  God ;  but  it  produces  consistency  of 
conduct  and  of  feeling ;    it   implies  and  gives 


©N  THE  ADVANTAGES  OF  SORROW.     83 

such  a  degree  of  firmness  and  of  fixedness  to 
the  character,  as  to  lead  its  aspirations  more 
habitually  to  heaven,  to  prepare  the  Christian 
for  every  event,  and  to  enable  him  to  praise  God, 
and  to  walk  continually  with  him. 

If  such  be  the  advantages  of  sorrow,   who 
would   not  "  choose   rather   to   suffer   aflliction 
with  the  people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  plea- 
sures of  sin  for  a  season  ?"*     Who  would  not 
deliberately  prefer  suffering,  with  all  its  inestim- 
able benefits,  to  a  life  of  ease  and  security,  and 
present  uncertain  pleasure  ?    Inasmuch  as  eter- 
nity is  longer  than  time,  the  doctrines  of  Chris- 
tianity are  to  be  preferred  to  the  maxims  of  the 
world,  and  *'the  sufferings  of  this  present  time, 
which  are  but  for  a  moment,  work  out  for  us 
a  far    more  exceeding   and   eternal  weight  of 
glory ;"+   so  is  affliction  to  be  preferred  as  the 
means  of  preparing  us  for  heaven,  and  exciting 
us  to  love  him  in  whose  favour  is  life,  and  whose 
service  is  perfect  freedom.     If  we  "endure  pa- 
tiently," we   shall  inherit  the  promise:  forget- 
ting this  world  and  its  allurements,  we  shall  be 
quickened  in  our  progress  towards  heaven,  and 
stimulated  to  "lay  up  our  treasures  there,  where 
neither  nK)th  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  nor  thieves 
break  through  and  steal."| 

*  Heb.  li.  23.  1 2  Cor.  ir.  17.  %  Matt.  ri.  2(). 


84     ON  THE  ADVANTAGES  OP  SORROW. 

How  carefully  should  we  pray  and  strive  after 
a  proper  improvement  of  sorrow,  that  this  may 
prove  a  source  of  consolation,  and  of  joy  un- 
speakable and  full  of  glory,  in  the  anticipation 
of  being  soon  landed  on  the  bhssful  shores  of 
immortality !     Whilst,  however,  we  reflect  with 
delight  on  the  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the 
influence  of  affliction,  we  must  not  forget  the 
guilt  we  shall  incur,  if  we  despise  this  abundant 
source  of  blessing — if  we  neglect  its  warnings, 
and  are  heedless  of  the  instruction  it  aflfords. 
No  benefit  will  accrue  from  suffering,  if  it  be 
Hot  improved.    Then,  indeed,  afliiction  would  be 
unspeakably  painful:  we  should  suffer  equally, 
and,   perhaps,   more,  without  any  title   to  the 
consolations  provided  for  those  who  mourn  in 
Zion,  and  at  the  same  time  we  should  incur  the 
just  anger  of  God,  in  refusing  to  listen  to  his 
voice,  and  to  come  to  him,  that  "we  might  have 
life."     If  the  affliction  under  which  we  groan  do 
not   detach   us   from  the   world — if  it   do   not 
weaken  the  influence  of  sin,  and  invigorate  the 
principle  of  piety  in  our  hearts,  we  lose  a  bless- 
ing "which  is  better  than  riches:    and  all  the 
things  that  may  be  desired  are  not  to  be  com- 
pared with  it."* 

*  ProT.  iii.  J5. 


85 


CHAPTER  V. 

ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

If  the  influence  of  affliction  be  thus  extensive, 
and  its  advantages  so  important ;  if  our  eternal 
welfare  be  connected  with  its  improvement ;  and 
if  there  be  a  danger  of  foregoing  these  advant- 
ages, it  is  necessary  to  ascertain  whether  we  are 
reaping  the  instruction  designed  hy  this  mmrn- 
fid  event.  To  rest  in  uncertainty  where  the 
interests  of  eternity  are  concerned  is  irrational ; 
and  at  this  season  of  solitude,  the  inquiry  well 
befits  us,  What  are  we  the  lietter  for  our  sor- 
rows?— A  mistake  on  this  subject  may  be  of  in- 
finite consequence,  and,  therefore,  the  greatest 
care  and  diligence  should  be  observed  in  the 
scrutiny, 

If  it  be  true,  that  the  foundation  of  all  useful 
knowledge  must  be  laid  in  an  acquaintance  with 
ourselves ;  and  if  it  be  granted,  that  we  are  in- 
disposed to  the  fulfilment  of  this  duty,  because  it 
leads  us  to  be  dissatisfied  with  our  actions;  it 
is  the  more  necessary  that  we  seriously  prosecute 
the  inquiry  as  in  the  presence  of  Him  who 
.      8 


86  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

searches  the  heart  and  tries  the  reins  of  the 
children  of  men;  and  that  we  do  not  cease  to 
examine  ourselves,  while  we  entertain  a  doubt 
of  the  integrity  of  our  conduct. 

He  who  is  a  God  of  love  does  not  willingly 
afflict  his  people :  infinite  wisdom  and  infinite 
goodness  influence  his  decisions,  and  his  decrees 
are  executed  with  an  especial  regard  to  mercy. 
Hence,  there  can  be  no  question  but  that  the 
present  scene  of  distress  is  commissioned  to  ac- 
complish some  ivise  purpose;  and  perhaps,  by  a 
little  attention,  it  may  not  be  diflicult  to  discover 
the  particular  design.  Yet,  if  this  were  not  the 
case,  when  we  look  into  our  hearts,  and  observe 
so  much  evil  constantly  springing  up ;  when  we 
detect  so  much  attachment  to  the  world,  and 
alienation  from  God ;  we  cannot  be  at  a  loss  to 
perceive  the  necessity  for  some  great  change, 
that  we  may  bo  made  holy  and  acceptable  in  his 
sight. 

"  Wherefore  should  a  living  man  complain 
— a  man  for  the  punishment  of  his  sins  ?  Let 
us  search  and  try  our  ways,  and  turn  again  to 
the  Lord."*  This  is  precisely  the  frame  of  mind 
in  which  we  should  meet  affliction.  Conscious 
of  our  sinfulness  and  manifold  infirmities,  that 
we  deserve  to  suflfer  the  wrath  of  God,  and  that 

*  Lam.  iii.  39,  40. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  87 

it  is  of  his  infinite  mercy  we  are  yet  the  hving 
to  seek  him,  we  should  not  venture  to  approach 
him  with  complaints ;  we  should  be  humbled 
under  the  mighty  hand  of  God,  and  be  stimulated 
to  inquire,  whether  ice  have  chosen  the  Lord  as 
our  God ;  and  if  so,  wherein  we  have  deviated 
from  his  ways,  that  we  may  turn  unto  him  with 
the  whole  heart. 

"  Show  me  wherefore  thou  contendest  with 
me,"*  should  be  the  language  of  our  minds. 
We  may  not  rest  contented  with  a  general  ac- 
knowledgment of  our  sinfulness,  nor  be  satisfied 
with  a  cold  and  languid  confession  of  our  hard- 
ness of  heart,  and  of  our  proneness  to  wander 
from  God.  This,  alas!  is  too  frequently  the 
mind's  subterfuge,  to  escape  that  piercing  scru- 
tiny which  will  reveal  what  is  wished  to  be  for- 
gotten :  it  is  an  attempt  to  lose  in  generalization 
the  peculiar  features  of  the  present  trial. 

God  afilicts  his  children  only  when  chastise- 
ment is  most  required  ;  and  hence  we  may  often 
discover  in  the  nature  of  the  trial  an  indication 
of  its  design,  and  of  the  evil  to  ivhich  it  is  opposed. 
Self-examination,  in  proportion  as  it  brings  us 
acquainted  with  our  own  hearts,  leads  us  to 
entertain  higher  thoughts  and  juster  conceptions 
of  the  majesty,  power,  and  goodness  of  God. 

*  Job  X.  2. 


Ob  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

We  can  no  longer  allow  the  intrusion  of  doubt 
respecting  his  wisdom,  mercy,  or  love,  because 
we  find  so  much  that  is  averse  from  him,  and 
hateful  in  his  sight.  We  can  enumerate  so  many 
provocations  against  his  glorious  majesty,  so 
many  offences  against  his  patience  and  forbear- 
ance, and  such  a  distance  from  the  standard  of 
purity  he  has  exhibited  for  our  imitation,  that 
we  are  constrained  to  acknowledge  the  justice 
of  his  displeasure,  his  wisdom  in  correcting  us, 
that  he  may  recall  our  wandering  footsteps  to 
liis  v/ays,  and  supply  us  with  the  consolations  of 
his  grace. 

We  are  placed  in  the  world,  in  a  situation  of 
trial  and  of  danger,  in  the  midst  of  our  fellow- 
creatures,  in  the  relation  of  social  beings ;  and 
we  have  all  some  part  or  other  to  perform  on 
this  wide  theatre.  Since  we  are  naturally  at- 
tracted by  the  present  scenes,  and  necessarily 
and  lawfully  engaged  in  our  several  stations,  it 
is  useful  to  examine,  whether  we  have  estimated 
the  world  and  its  possessions  in  a  proper  light, 
or  whether,  on  the  contrary,  these  have  not 
occupied  too  much  of  our  time,  and  pre-engaged 
our  thoughts. 

We  are  commanded  to  be  "active  in  business," 
but  at  the  same  time  fervent  in  spirit ;  and  it  is 
obvious  that  a  degree  of  diligence  in  the  former, 
which  interferes  with  the  right  performance  of 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  89 

religious  duties,  and  infringes  on  the  time  allotted 
for  the  peculiar  service  of  God,  or  which  renders 
us  unfit  for  the  exercise  of  that  worship  which 
should  be  our  delight,  must  be  proscribed.  Ex- 
cessive anxiety  about  the  cares  and  pursuits  of 
this  life,  is  an  insurmountable  barrier  to  the 
maintenance  of  vital  rehgion  in  the  heart. 
Worldly  solicitude  slowly  preys  upon  the  spirits, 
and,  by  depressing  the  powers  of  the  mind, 
prevents  its  looking  up  to  God,  and  deriving  its 
happiness  from  his  service.  It  securely  takes 
its  root  in  the  very  basis  of  the  heart :  there  it 
vegetates  and  sends  forth  its  shoots  :  these  grow 
and  entwine  themselves  around  its  surface,  till 
at  length  they  meet  and  inosculate,  and  thus 
repress  its  few  and  feeble  efforts  to  send  one 
lingering  wish  on  high. 

This  effect  w^ill  be  produced,  when  present 
anxiety  is  suffered  to  oppress  the  mind  and 
obscure  its  perceptions ;  when  the  soul  no  longer 
feels  the  delight  which  it  once  experienced  in 
contemplating  the  wonders  of  God's  providence, 
and  tracing  his  gracious  and  affectionate  hand 
in  all  the  acts  of  his  goodness,  and  is  incapable 
of  appreciating  the  value  of  his  preserving  and 
sustaining  mercy.  When  the  mind  ceases  to 
contemplate  these  interesting  scenes  with  plea- 
sure, and  is  absorbed  with  worldly  projects  and 
desires,  then  it  is  that,  no  longer  directed  te 
8* 


mi  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

their  proper  object,  the  affections  wander  from 
God :  they  diverge  from  their  native  centre,  and 
they  fall  irregularly  on  some  inferior  object ;  in- 
asmuch as  any  thing  short  of  the  goodness  and 
the  majesty  of  heaven  is  undeserving  supreme  re- 
gard. The  views  are  no  longer  directed  towards 
the  skies ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  the  distant 
glimpses  which  are  caught  at  intervals  of  a 
world  to  come,  are  illuminated  only  by  the  feeble, 
glimmering,  and  uncertain  light  of  reason ;  the 
desires  are  faint  and  languid  ;  the  heart  no  longer 
beats  responsive  to  the  stimulus  it  should  receive 
from  contemplating  the  love  of  God  ;  while  all  its 
powers,  and  energies,  and  activity,  are  concen- 
trated on  some  present  good  of  little  real  value. 
Perhaps,  too,  we  may  be  puf suing,  an  unlawful 
object :  not  only  one  which  absorbs  our  thoughts 
and  affections,  but  which  engages  them  in  direct 
hostility  to  the  commands  of  God.  We  are 
heaping  up  riches,  and  may  be  little  scrupulous 
about  the  means  of  obtaining  them,  while  God 
says,  *'  Lay  not  up  for  yourselves  treasures  upon 
earth,  Vvhere  moth  and  rust  doth  corrupt,  and 
where  thieves  break  through  and  steal :  but  lay 
up  for  yourselves  treasures  in  heaven,  where 
neither  moth  nor  rust  doth  corrupt,  nor  thieves 
break  through  and  steal."*  While  he  commands 

"  Matt.  vi.  19.  20. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  9h 

US  to  "  seek  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  his 
righteousness,"*  we  lose  sight  of  those  grand 
objects,  and  pursue  the  attainment  of  present 
good — riches,  honour,  or  reputation. 

This  injurious  influence  exerted  upon  the  heart, 
is  visible  in  the  life.  We  have  no  longer  Chris- 
tianity in  its  lovely,  active  form.  There  is, 
indeed,  a  name  to  live,  but  there  is  no  vitality. 
The  character,  the  hopes,  the  joys,  the  principles, 
and  the  prospects  of  the  aspirant  of  heaven,  are 
merged  in  the  undefined  and  cloudy  views  of 
the  man  of  the  world.  The  present  world  is  his 
element :  in  it  he  lives,  and  breathes,  and  acts  ; 
but  take  him  from  his  busy  scenes  to  his  chamber, 
how  cold  his  heart ;  how  feeble,  formal,  and  un- 
felt  are  his  addresses  to  the  God  of  grace ;  how 
diminutive  his  exertions  in  the  cause  of  religion, 
when  contrasted  with  his  general  activity  !  His 
conduct  is  influenced  not  by  the  pure  standard 
of  divine  truth,  but  by  worldly  maxims  and 
motives  of  expediency  and  pohcy,  while  it  ceases 
to  be  characterized  by  that  genuineness  of  prin- 
ciple which  distinguishes  the  activity  of  the 
humble  follower  of  Jesus. 

This  state  of  mind  is  hateful  to  God,  who 
wills  that  his  creatures  should  live  as  candidates 
for  a  future,  better  world,  and  should  show  forth 

*  Matt.  vj.  33. 


92  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

his  glory  on  earth.  And  yet,  so  insidious  is  its 
attack,  so  measured  and  cautious  are  its  ap- 
proaches, that  the  mind  may  be  wholly  pre- 
occupied with  the  world,  before  we  are  sensible 
of  having  lost  our  first  love.  Can  there  be  a 
question,  then,  of  the  necessity  of  self-examina- 
tion, that  \ve  may  ascertain  whether  we  have 
declined  from  the  ways  of  God,  and  have  turned 
aside  to  other  paths?  If  this  be  our  case,  it 
becomes  us  to  balance  the  pleasures  and  pursuits 
of  this  life  with  the  favour  of  heaven,  and  ask 
whether  the  former  are  deliberately  to  be  pre- 
ferred? In  a  season  of  affliction,  we  shall  as- 
suredly answer  in  the  negative ;  and  thus  shall 
we  learn  the  relative  value  of  present  and  eternal 
considerations;  we  shall  discover  our  own  un- 
happy choice ;  we  shall  repent,  remember  whence 
we  are  fallen,  and,  in  the  strength  of  divine 
grace,  we  shall  do  "  the  first  works." 

But,  again,  are  our  attachments  fixed  on 
things  above,  or  upon  things  on  the  earth  ?  Man 
is  a  rational  being ;  but  he  is  so  situated  in  this 
world,  that  the  great  basis  of  his  happiness  is 
made  to  consist  in  the  exercise  of  the  social 
affections.  The  Almighty  has  beneficently  im- 
planted in  his  breast  a  desire  to  promote  the 
happiness  of  those  who  are  dear  to  him,  and 
has  imparted  to  this  principle  such  a  degree  of 
influence  over  his  conduct,  that  it  gives  a  peculiar' 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  .       93 

character  to  his  actions.  As  the  mind  expands, 
the  benevolent  sympathies  are  evolved ;  during 
a  state  of  infancy  their  influence  is  circumscribed ; 
but  soon  the  exercise  of  filial,  strengthened  by 
fraternal  love,  is  expanded  into  the  fulness  of 
that  benevolence  which  stamps  the  mind  with 
peculiar  beauty  and  excellence.  Allowed,  how- 
ever, to  range  through  the  wide  field  of  know- 
ledge and  of  society,  there  are  some  objects, 
which,  by  possessing  a  greater  number  of  affini- 
ties with  his  character,  will  necessarily  attract 
and  engage  the  attention  more  than  others,  and 
finally  enlist  the  heart  in  the  choice.  Hence  the 
origin  of  friendship  and  love,  and  of  that  delight 
which  arises  from  the  communion  of  kindred 
souls,  in  pursuit  of  the  same  great  objects,  and 
guided  by  the  same  immutable  principles. 

While  the  affections,  when  rightly  directed, 
may  lead  us  to  greater  activity  in  the  service  of 
morality  and  religion ;  so  it  must  be  confessed, 
that  they  have  a  natural  tendency  to  pre-occupy 
the  heart,  and  abstract  its  allegiance  from  God. 
Though  just  and  pure  in  themselves,  yet,  by 
aiming  no  higher  than  their  immediate  object, 
they  become  so  concentrated  upon  it,  as  to  be 
very  little  capable  of  more  extensive  and  exalted 
action,  and  often  prove  the  means  of  alienating 
the  heart  from  the  pursuit  of  virtue.  But  God 
is  a  jealous  God ;  and  as  the  supreme  good,  he 


94  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

requires  our  hearts  to  be  placed  on  him,  and  is 
angry  when  they  are  directed  from  him.  He 
will  not  tolerate  a  rival  in  our  bosoms,  and  if 
we  inordinately  love  the  creature,  we  put  this 
object  in  the  room  of  the  Creator;  we  substitute 
an  idol  for  the  true  God,  and  worship  with  our 
hearts  a  poor  imperfect  creature,  whose  every 
excellence  is  derived  from  the  infinitely  just  and 
holy  God. 

As  God  demands  the  heart,  and  is  provoked 
when  it  is  bestowed  upon  another,  so  he  is 
sometimes  induced  to  remove  from  our  sight 
the  endeared  object  which  has  thus  proved  the 
occasion  of  weaning  us  from  himself,  instead  of 
exciting  our  gratitude  towards  him.  Has  this 
been  the  case  with  us  ?  Has  not  the  beloved 
object  of  our  fond  solicitude  proved  the  occasion 
of  dividing  our  hearts,  and  abstracting  our 
thoughts  and  affections  from  pursuits  of  infinite 
and  supreme  importance  ?  Have  we  not  rested 
in  the  pleasantness  and  excellence  of  the  gift, 
while  we  have  forgotten  from  whom  it  was 
derived  f  Have  we  not  been  overwhelmed  with 
anxiety  for  its  welfare  f  Have  we  not  made  the 
enjoyment  of  its  society  our  home — our  refuge  ? 
When  care  and  sorrow  have  invaded  our  bosoms, 
have  we  not  sought  the  oblivion  of  our  grief  in 
the  delightful  intercourse  of  chastened  affection  ? 
yea,   has  not  our  happiness  consisted  in  this, 


ON  SELF-EXAML\ATIOi\.  95 

while  we  have  forgotten  to  choose  God  as  our 
portion,  to  seek  his  guidance,  and  come  to  him 
as  our  only  substantial  good  ?  The  continuance 
of  present  scenes  has  been  all  our  desire;  we 
have  felt  as  if  nothing  could  blast  our  happiness 
or  destroy  our  pleasures.  Yet  God  has  shown 
us  that  we  are  in  his  hands ;  he  has  smitten  our 
pleasant  flower,  and  dissipated  all  our  fairy 
scenes  of  present  peace. 

And  has  not  his  conduct  in  this  instance  been 
marked  by  merciful  loving-kindness  ?  He  is 
teaching  us  that  no  lasting  happiness  is  to  be 
found  on  earth,  and  that  heaven  alone  is  our 
home.  He  perceives  that  we  are  satisfied  with 
our  present  comforts,  and  wisely  directs  the 
removal  of  these  intervening  objects,  in  order 
that  we  may  practically,  learn  the  transitory, 
fleeting  nature  of  terrestrial  joys,  and  be  con- 
strained to  place  our  hopes  above.  Earnestly 
then  should  we  strive  to  reap  the  benefit  of  the 
lesson  thus  painfully  inculcated. 

In  the  present  dark  and  clouded  season,  every 
object  will  assume  an  appearance  differing  from 
its  late  fascinating  hue.  A  tender  father  is 
manifesting  the  insufficiency  of  this  world  to 
satisfy  the  desires  of  an  immortal  mind  !  You 
expand  your  heart,  and  place  your  aff'ections 
on  the  creature  of  a  day ;  but  in  an  unexpected 
moment,    death    snatches    away  your   dearest 


06  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

friend,  and  you  are  convinced  of  the  futility  of 
expecting  abiding  felicity  from  any  object  so 
uncertain  in  its  continuance.  While  you  enjoyed 
its  presence,  you  wished  for  nothing  more ;  but 
you  now  find  a  void,  which  no  recollection  of 
past  happiness  can  fill ;  and  you  are  driven  to 
seek  from  some  other  source  the  solid  peace 
you  have  lost.  Thus,  while  you  learn  the  inca- 
pacity of  the  creature  to  make  you  substantially 
happy,  you  are  instructed  in  the  all-sufficiency 
of  a  Saviour ;  for,  even  under  these  distressing 
circumstances,  he  is  present  with  you ;  he  puts 
underneath  you  his  everlasting  arms ;  he  oflfers 
himself  to  your  acceptance  as  a  God  of  mercy 
and  love ;  and  he  invites  you  to  put  your  whole 
trust  in  him.  Exquisitely  dear  to  the  heart  as 
is  the  recollection  of  past  scenes  of  love,  yet  they 
will  now  appear  as  mispent  hours,  because  they 
have  induced  you  to  neglect  the  Lord  your  God  ; 
and  the  more  poignant  your  grief,  the  greater 
will  be  your  desire  to  five  in  future  to  his  glory. 
There  is  no  dividing  the  heart  between  God 
and  his  gifts;  you  cannot  at  the  same  time  love 
both  the  one  and  the  other  supremely.  The 
human  heart  is  so  formed^  or  perhaps  charac- 
terized by  its  fallen  state,  that  it  would  aim  to 
share  its  powers  between  God  and  the  creature ; 
but  it  is  impossible.  If  the  latter  be  loved  equally^ 
it  will  be  loved  superlatively.     The  only  chance 


OIV  SELF-EXAMINATION.  97 

of  safety  is  when  love  to  the  creature  is  enter- 
tained in  direct  subservience  to  the  will  of  God. 
If,  then,  by  this  self-inspection,  we  learn  the 
inordinate  wanderings  of  present  affection,  we 
shall  be  desirous  of  transferring  all  the  love 
which  we  once  sinfully  placed  on  our  lost  relative 
to  the  Saviour,  who  is  the  fountain  of  all  good- 
ness ;  we  shall  be  desirous  of  seeking  him,  as 
the  supreme  object  of  our  delight,  and  shall 
earnestly  pray  for  the  assistance  of  his  Spirit,  to 
enable  us  to  choose  him  as  our  chief  good,  and 
our  all-sufficient  portion. 

This  is  not  a  place  of  rest.  Hitherto,  we 
have  derived  our  happiness  from  terrestrial  com- 
forts ;  we  have  calculated  on  their  continuance, 
and  we  have  wished  no  change  :  we  have  fondly 
imagined  that  the  late  happy  scenes  would  not 
be  dissipated  till  a  period  most  remote,  and  we 
have  been  contented  to  seek  no  other  home. 
The  integral  beauties  of  the  domestic,  small,  but 
perfect  circle,  have  been  our  paradise  of  earthly 
bhss.  Here  we  have  enjoyed  all  that  heart 
could  wish,  or  a  fond  imagination  realize,  when 
depicting  its  fairy  prospects  of  felicity;  and  we 
have  forgotten  that  this  is  but  the  journey  to  an 
eternal  world,  or  that  we  are  travellers  to  a 
heavenly  state.  We  have  slumbered  on  the  lar 
of  ease,  and  our  life  has  been  but  as  a  dream 
perfect  pleasure ;  we  are  now  awakened  t 
9  / 


98  UN  SELF-EXAML\ATIOxN. 

consciousness  of  our  delusion ;  and  while  wc 
regret  the  visionary  fabric  that  has  passed  away, 
we  are  forcibly  reminded  of  its  original  instability 
and  emptiness :  we  estimate  these  only  as  they 
deserve,  we  find  mutability  stamped  on  every 
thing  human,  and  our  only  hope  of  tranquillity 
is  derived  from  seeking  an  acquaintance  with 
that  everlasting  blessedness  of  the  righteous, 
which  we  should  be  preparing  to  enjoy.  When 
we  look  at  the  Christian,  and  recollect  that  it 
should  be  his  delight  to  be  conformed  to  the 
image  of  his  Redeemer ;  when  we  remember, 
that  in  this  world  the  Son  of  Man  had  not  where 
to  lay  his  head,  that  he  was  despised  and  rejected 
of  men,  and  forsaken  even  by  his  disciples  in 
the  hour  of  peril ;  surely  we  should  be  ashamed 
of  assuming  this  for  our  resting-place,  when  we 
should  be  striving  to  inherit  his  kingdom,  and  to 
be  with  him  where  he  is,  there  to  behold  his  glory ! 
Again  ;  the  great  God,  who  first  breathed  into 
man  the  spirit  of  life,  who  endowed  him  with 
rational  faculties,  and  gave  him  an  immortal 
soul,  has  conferred  upon  each  one  of  his  crea- 
tures some  varied  and  peculiar  talents,  which, 
in  their  different  measures,  all  are  directed  to 
improve,  and  exercise  in  his  service,  and  to  his 
honour :  the  greater,  therefore,  our  talents,  the 
greater  will  be  the  sin  of  perverting  or  neglect- 
ing them. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  99 

If  we  possess  talents,  and  are  indifferent  to 
iheir  cultivation  and  employment,  we  are  un- 
profitable servants ;  and  if  we  pervert  them  by 
lending  their  influence  to  the  cause  of  sin  and 
error,  we  are  doubly  criminal ;  for  it  is  hardly 
possible  to  calculate  the  extent  of  the  injury  thus 
inflicted  on  the  interests  of  truth.  There  is  a 
serious  responsibility  attached  to  the  exercise  of 
talent ;  and  since  its  eflfects  are  so  extensive  and 
remote,  and  its  perverted  influences©  destructive, 
it  behooves  us  to  inquire,  if  we  are  free  from  the 
charge  of  negligence  or  inattention.  Perhaps 
our  ability  may  be  small ;  yet  each  in  his  appro- 
priate sphere  possesses  an  important  power  of 
good  or  evil.  If  this  influence  be  duly  exerted, 
its  exercise  will  be  guided  by  a  prevailing  desire 
to  extend  the  knowledge  of  God,  and  promote 
the  glory  of  his  kingdom.  It  will  be  contemplated 
as  a  sacred  deposit,  which  we  should  diligently 
employ  in  accomplishing  this  great  end,  in  so 
far  as  our  ability  may  extend.  To  advance  the 
interests  of  morality  and  civil  order  will  surely 
never  be  forgotten,  though  it  may  be  esteemed 
as  a  secondary  object,  and  arising  out  of  the 
former. 

Where  genuine  religion  is  implanted  in  the 
heart,  morality  follows  necessarily  as  its  fruit ; 
and  hence  our  great  concern  will  be  to  promote 
its  best  interests  in  the  world.     Yet  the  present 


100  ON  SELF-EXAMINATIOX. 

comforts  of  mankind  at  large  will  not  be  over- 
looked. Benevolence  opens  a  wide  sphere  for 
action ;  and  though  we  may  regret  the  limited 
means  with  which  we  are  endowed,  yet  we  shall 
be  constantly  devising  new  plans  of  usefulness, 
and  seeking  new  evils  to  be  remedied,  new 
sorrows  to  be  alleviated,  and  new  blessings  to 
be  conferred.  Real  charity  does  not  derive  a 
motive  to  inactivity,  from  the  contemplation  of 
what  has  been  effected  through  its  influence ; 
hut  every  renewed  exercise  of  the  principle  gives 
it  additional  energy,  and  a  consequent  increased 
power  of  action,  while  it  gradually,  but  invari- 
ably, forms  the  mind  to  habits  of  benevolence. 
It  will  never  rest  satisfied  with  the  exertions  of 
yesterday,  while  the  activity  of  to-day  can,  by 
the  remotest  possibility,  contribute  to  the  happi- 
ness or  welfare  of  one  other  object. 

The  glory  of  God,  the  advancement  of  his 
kingdom,  and  the  good  of  mankind  in  its  largest 
acceptation,  will  be  the  points  towards  which 
the  exercise  of  talent  should  converge.  And 
the  motive  should  be  disinterested.  The  love  of 
applause,  or  the  desire  of  power,  must  be  dis- 
allowed and  combated,  as  principles  of  action ; 
while  the  love  of  Christ  should  constrain  and 
animate  us  with  affection  to  his  people,  and 
furnish  abundant  incentives  to  activity.  We 
dften   do  right;  we   exert  our   talents  to  tbe 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  101 

Utmost,  in  a  good,  nay,  in  the  very  best  of  causes, 
but  perhaps  from  unworthy  motives.  If  we  do 
not  hope  to  obtain  the  love  and  esteem  of  the 
world,  yet  the  influence  we  fondly  anticipate 
over  our  little  social  circle,  is  often  too  attractive 
to  be  resisted.  In  this  scrutiny  of  the  heart  we 
cannot  be  too  rigid ;  for  it  is  the  motive  which 
characterizes  the  act,  and  not  the  act  itself,  the 
source  from  which  it  springs.  This  indeed  may 
appear  pure  to  others,  and  yet  may  be  the  most 
contaminated.  We  must  investigate  the  motive 
and  the  aim  of  our  conduct ;  and  if,  in  the 
exercise  of  talents  intrusted  to  us,  conscience 
will  approve  both  the  former  and  the  latter ;  if 
we  are  satisfied  that  there  is  no  abuse  of  the 
influence  we  have  exerted ;  we  have  still  to  ask, 
whether  we  have  done  so  much  as  we  ought, 
whether  we  have  done  so  much  as  we  could, 
and  have  been  as  diligent  and  active  as  our 
situation  has  demanded.  It  will  be  well  indeed 
for  us,  if  we  have  not  to  lament  the  improper 
use  of  our  capacity  to  do  good ;  but  we  can 
hardly  expect  to  be  able  justly  to  acquit  ourselves 
of  neglect,  of  inattention  to  opportunities  of 
exertion,  and  of  the  Avant  of  purity  in  our 
motives.  Aflliction  detects  the  lurking#evil,  and 
discovers  abundant  cause  for  the  judgments  of 
God  inflicted  on  us. 

This  afilictive  providence  leads  us  still  further 


102  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

to  inquire  into  our  habitual   preparedness  for 
death,  and  the  solemn  realities  it  will  disclose. 
Mankind  in  general  look  around  them ;  and  in 
the  circle  of  their -acquaintance,  many,  one  after 
another,  are  taken  away :  the  rich  and  the  poor, 
the  young  and  the  old,  the  just  and  the  unjust, 
are  alike  the  subjects  of  mortality.     Those  with 
whom  we  have  associated  to-day,  are  no  more 
seen  in  their  accustomed  situations :  others  suc- 
ceed them :    and  perhaps  even  this  generation 
passes  away,  and  yet  man  is  unmindful  of  his 
approaching  end.     Among  those  who  survive, 
the  ravages  of  disease  are  evident,  and  we  see 
some  maintaining  a  lingering  existence,  whom 
we  certainly  calculate  on  soon  consigning  to  the 
tomb.     Yet  we  forget  that  we  must  follow  them. 
We  are  unwilling  to  live  in  the  constant  recol- 
lection  of  the  uncertainty  and  brevity  of  human 
life,  and  we  are  naturally  inclined  to  postpone 
the  certain  approach  of  death  to  a  very  distant, 
and  yet  more  distant  day. 

*'  Man  that  is  born  of  a  woman  is  of  few  days, 
and  full  of  trouble.  He  cometh  forth  like  a 
flower,  and  is  cut  down:  he  fleeth  also  as  a 
shadow,  and  continueth  not."*  Human  hfe,  in- 
deed, is  aptly  compared  to  a  flower  :  it  flourishes 
in  all  the  pride  of  youth  and  beauty ;  and  as  it 

*  Jeb  xiv.  L  2. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION, 


103 


advances  to  maturity,  promises  to  disperse  its 
fragrance  and  its  charms  to  a  widely  extended 
circle.  We  gaze  and  admire,  as  it  expands  its 
freshening  beauties,  and  we  fervently  pray  that 
nothing  may  impair  its  vigour  or  arrest  its 
growth.  But  we  are  soon  painfully  taught  the 
rapidity  of  its  progress.  For,  while  our  hearts 
kindle  into  contemplation  on  the  coming  pros- 
pects and  anticipated  pleasures  which  promise 
to  attend  its  full-blown  sweetness,  it  has  passed 
at  once  to  a  state  of  decay.  A  few  days  only 
are  allotted  for  the  completion  of  this  process ; 
and  it  is  uncertain  whether  even  these  few  days 
may  be  accomplished.  For  a  nipping  frost  has 
chilled  its  powers ;  the  pelting  of  the  untimely 
wintry  storm  has  stripped  it  of  its  vitality  and 
beauty ;  or  the  destructive  worm  has  slowly  but 
effectually  preyed  upon  its  roots,  destroyed  its 
healthy  active  hue,  substituted  the  wan  character 
of  disease,  and  now  it  "  fieeth  as  a  shadow,  and 
continueth  not." 

Human  life  is  indeed  promising  at  its  outset, 
but  it  is  rapid  in  its  progress,  and  uncertain  in 
its  duration.  Yet,  in  entire  forgetfulness  of  the 
testimony  of  the  Sacred  Writings,  the  evidence 
of  our  observation,  and  the  undisputed  fact,  that 
a  very  large  majority  of  mankind  die  in  the 
most  promising  period  of  human  existence,  in 
childhood  and  youth,  we  cannot  be  practically 


104  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

convinced  of  our  own  mortality.  But  death  has 
now  invaded  our  own  immediate  circle,  it  has 
removed  from  our  sight  one  in  whom  we  de- 
lighted, and  on  the  protraction  of  whose  days 
we  securely  calculated,  and  even  fondly  built 
the  realization  of  all  our  future  scenes  of  happi- 
ness ;  we  have  lost  the  friend,  without  whom  the 
domestic  circle  will  be  incomplete ;  and  this  event 
has  occurred  in  a  most  unexpected  moment. 
Surely,  then,  it  becomes  us  to  obtain  a  deep 
conviction  of  the  uncertainty  of  life,  practically 
to  entertain  the  idea  of  our  own  approaching 
mortality,  to  put  the  question,  "  Am  I  also 
ready  ?"  and  to  seek  after  a  constant  preparation 
for  this  great  change. 

Yes  ;  we  are  mortal !  nor  can  we  possibly  post- 
pone the  appointed  hour  of  dissolution.  Sooner 
or  later,  and  we  know  not  how  soon,  we  shall 
be  called  to  leave  this  world  for  another.  A  few 
days,  perhaps  only  a  few  hours  since,  our  dear 
friend  was  in  perfect  health,  cheering  and  cheer- 
ed by  our  mutual  intercourse  ;  and  though  fully 
prepared  for  this  awful,  sudden  change,  little 
dreamed  that  the  messenger  of  separation  was 
so  near  at  hand.  Instead  of  his  removal,  the 
summons  might  have  been  made  to  the  survivor ; 
and  are  you  equally  ready  to  meet  your  God  ? 
No  man  knows  the  time  or  the  manner  of  his 
death;  it  is  a  wise  provision,  that  we  remain 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  105 

ignorant  of  its  approach ;  but,  since  it  may  come 
as  a  thief  in  the  night,  and  as  the  sick-bed  is 
not  the  place  for  repentance,  when  the  mind  is 
clouded  by  disease,  and  its  perceptions  too  fre- 
quently distorted ;  if  we  would  wish  to  die  in 
peace,  and  in  the  assured  hope  of  a  happy 
resurrection,  we  should  have  our  prospects  for 
eternity  clear  and  well  defined  during  a  state  of 
health ;  we  should  be  watchin<?  for  the  coming 
of  the  Lord,  and  be  prepared  to  yield  ourselves 
into  the  arms  of  the  Redeemer  of  sinners  : — 
thus  to  die  is  infinite  gain. 

Should  death  be  the  only  circumstance  we  do 
not  anticipate,  the  only  journey  for  which  we 
are  careless  of  our  safety  and  comfort,  the  only 
important  vicissitudes  which  claims  no  regard? 
Surely  this  is  not  the  part  of  prudence.  May 
we  be  no  longer  unmindful  of  its  approach,  but 
earnestly  inquire,  if  our  lights  are  burning  and 
our  lamps  trimmed;  and  if  not,  may  we  diligently 
prepare  them,  and  stand  having  our  "loins  girt 
about  with  truth,  and  having  on  the  breast-plate 
of  righteousness ;  and  our  feet  shod  with  the 
preparation  of  the  Gospel  of  peace ;  above  all, 
taking  the  shield  of  faith,  wherewith  we  shall  be 
able  to  quench  all  the  fiery  darts  of  the  wicked. 
And  take  the  helmet  of  salvation,  and  the  sword 
of  the  Spirit,  which  is  the  word  of  God  :  praying 
?jilways  with  all  prayer  and  supplication  in  the 


106  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

Spirit,  and  watching  thereunto  with  all  perse- 
verance and  supphcation  for  all  saints."* 

Christianity  is  a  vital  animating  principle,  and 
it  is  highly  important  for  us  to  know  whether  its 
influence  is  really  extended  over  our  hearts  and 
lives,  or  whether  we  merely  profess  a  belief  in 
its  truth,  while  our  temper,  our  feelings,  and 
our  conduct  remain  unaffected  by  its  influence. 

The  external  profession  of  religion  in  the 
present  day  is  very  common ;  I  had  almost  said, 
it  has  become  fashionable ;  at  all  events,  it  is 
not  now  that  strange  thing  which  once  sub- 
jected its  friends  to  reproach  and  persecution. 
It  would  indeed  be  uncharitable  and  unjust  to 
deny  the  rapid  increase  of  vital  religion ;  but  at 
the  same  time,  as  the  stream  has  widened  it  has 
become  shallower :  and  as  difficulties  have  been 
removed,  so  has  arisen  the  temptation  to  choose 
its  flowery  banks,  from  custom  and  habit,  early 
prejudice,  or  perhaps  interested  motives.  These, 
and  a  thousand  causes  such  as  these,  may  induce 
us  to  take  up  our  lot  with  the  disciples  of  Christ, 
while  it  is  yet  evident  that  we  have  no  title  to 
true  religion.  Our  attendance  upon  the  worship 
of  God,  reverence  for  the  Sabbath,  activity  in 
promoting  the  progress  of  religious  truth,  and 
chooging  other  professors  as  our  companions  and 

"  Eph,  vi.  14—18. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  107 

friends,  do  not  prove  that  we  arc  sincerely  de- 
sirous of  being  taught  of  God,  and  influenced 
by  his  Spirit  to  purity  of  action.  Yet  on  these 
grounds  we  may  be  seeking  repose,  and  lulling 
our  consciences  into  security,  while  we  should  be 
tremblingly  alive  to  the  dangers  of  our  situation. 
The  peaceful  but  lifeless  professor  is  in  greater 
danger  than  the  avowed  profligate,  since  the 
avenues  of  his  heart  are  closed  to  the  importu- 
nities of  divine  truth. 

But  if  it  be  thus  easy  to  mistake  on  the 
ground  of  a  sincere  reception  of  Christianity,  it 
is  even  more  so  to  impose  on  the  heart,  by  the 
external  propriety  of  our  conduct.  We  may 
rest  for  safety  on  the  purity  of  our  lives,  on  our 
charity  and  good  works :  or  we  may  err  equally 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  question;  for,  as 
faith  without  works  is  dead,  so  good  works,  if 
they  do  not  proceed  from  correct  motives,  are 
the  body  without  the  soul;  they  want  the  vital 
principle  which  stamps  them  with  value. 

Simple  morality  does  not,  cannot  comprehend 
the  wliole  scheme  of  Christianity.  It  can  eflfect 
much  in  ameliorating  the  temper  and  correcting 
the  life;  but  it  can  never  change  the  heart;  it 
can  never  induce  holy  principles,  nor  originate 
good  actions^  springing  from  pure  motives,  and 
having  a  direct  tendency  to  raise  the  thoughts 
to  heaven,  or  the  affections  to  God.     Afflictioa 


108  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

unmasks  these  errors:  for  it  finds  us  destitute 
of  the  consolations  of  religion,  a  principle  which, 
having  never  vegetated  in  our  bosoms,  cannot 
therefore  produce  its  fruits:  if  we  attempt  to 
look  back  on  our  past  lives,  we  find  so  much 
evil,  that  we  cannot  derive  comfort  from  the 
retrospect ;  and  even  if  we  could,  this  would  fail 
of  imparting  peace  under  circumstances  so  dis- 
tressing. 

Perhaps  we  have  no  concern  about  religion, 
and  are  looking  to  the  world,  to  philosophy,  and 
a  thousand  false  hopes,  for  consolation  in  the 
hour  of  trial.  Diligent  self-inspection  will  dis- 
cover our  error,  show  us  that  we  are  seeking 
comfort  where  none  is  to  be  found,  point  to  the 
only  real  source  of  happiness,  and  induce  a  con- 
viction of  our  own  helplessness,  and  of  the  suit- 
ableness of  a  Saviour's  grace  to  supply  our 
wants,  to  lead  us  from  darkness  to  light,  and 
from  self-reliance  to  Jesus,  the  Mediator  of  the 
new  covenant,  and  finally  bring  us  to  inherit  a 
crown  of  glory  which  fadeth  not  away. 

The  Christian  will  be  anxious  to  inquire  if  he 
has  embraced  the  whole  of  Christianity,  and  if 
its  principles  produce  their  legitimate  influence 
on  his  heart  and  life.  When  he  is  chastened, 
he  will  suspect  some  secret  evil,  and  desire  to 
be  brought  acquainted  with  it,  and  enabled  to 
resist  it  in  the  strength  of  divine  grace.     His 


\3N  SELF-EXAMINATION.  109 

principles  are  put  to  the  test.  Do  they  now 
•afford  him  consolation  and  support?  Do  they 
enable  him  to  be  meek,  patient,  and  submissive, 
and  lead  him  to  dependence  upon  God?  It  is 
highly  important  that  his  views  should  be  well 
defined,  his  hopes  brightened  by  truth,  his  pros- 
pects fixed  on  eternity,  and  all  his  principles 
extracted  simply  from  the  Bible.  This  must  be 
his  last  appeal,  his  counsellor,  his  best  and  con- 
stant friend. 

Christianity  is  not  a  revelation  from  which 
we  may  cull,  for  our  reception  and  obedience, 
such  parts  as  are  most  congenial  to  our  feelings  : 
but  the  whole  truth  must  be  received  from  the 
heart,  as  a  perfect  rule  of  life,  and  unerring 
guide  through  every  difficulty,  and  the  immuta- 
ble standard  of  opinion  and  action.  We  can- 
not retain  one  of  its  doctrines,  while  we  reject 
the  rest :  we  cannot  yield  obedience  to  some  of 
its  precepts,  while  we  are  habitually  negligent 
of  others.  We  may  not  forget  the  self-denial  it 
enjoins,  nor  the  rigid  activity  in  the  service  of 
God  which  it  requires,  while  we  receive  the  se- 
curity it  offers,  both  now  and  hereafter,  to  those 
who  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  We  may 
not  lose  sight  of  the  good  works  it  enforces, 
while  we  rest  our  faith  on  the  promises  it  con- 
tains. We  may  not  separate  the  practice  from 
the  principle,  nor  the  principle  from  the  practice. 
10 


110  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

We  must  be  careful  that  the  principles  wo 
have  imbibed  are  drawn  from  this  pure  source ; 
and  that  they  are  unadulterated  by  any  modifi- 
cation of  human  invention.  These  principles 
must  be  examined,  and  their  efficacy  must  be 
proved.  Whilst  the  Christian  is  led  to  God,  in 
the  exercise  of  humble  prayer,  by  the  contem- 
plation of  his  own  sinfulness,  and  the  suffering 
he  endures,  he  will  yet  wait  with  patience,  as- 
sured that,  in  his  own  good  time,  God  will  work 
deliverance ;  or,  if  this  be  impossible,  that  he 
will  grant  what  is  infinitely  more  valuable,  the 
sanctification  of  the  affliction.  We  must  not 
be  weary  in  waiting  upon  God.  Though  he 
does  not  answer  our  petitions  immediately;  or 
though,  in  infinite  wisdom,  he  does  not  see  fit  to 
grant  the  requests  of  short-sighted  mortality; 
yet  he  may  bless  us  in  some  other  way  of 
far  greater  importance.  If  we  are  purified, 
and  sublimed,  and  prepared  for  heaven,  are  we 
not  abundantly  benefited  ? 

This  consideration  will  induce  the  mourner 
to  remember  his  past  sufferings,  and  to  inquire 
what  good  lie  has  derived  from  those  afflictive 
events  which  are  now  past,  and  from  that  under 
which  he  at  present  labours.  Have  trials,  com- 
missioned by  the  long-suffering  mercy  of  a  com- 
passionate God,  produced  their  proper  effect  in 
making  him  more  holy  and  heavenly-minded. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  Ill 

more  afraid  of  sin,  and  more  desirous  of  living 
to  his  glory  ?  Perhaps  he  can  look  back  on  past 
scenes  of  sorrow  with  bitter  recollection,  on 
hours  of  suffering  misimproved,  and  talents  per- 
verted. Perhaps  he  will  lament  the  little  fruit- 
fulness  which  has  sprung  from  this  beneficent 
culture ;  and  to  his  present  sorrow^  will  be  added 
the  ao^o^ravation  of  havinof  trifled  with  the  Most 
High;  of  having  suffered,  yet  without  advant- 
age. If  this  be  the  case,  he  will  be  doubly 
anxious  to  reap  the  benefit  of  present  affliction ; 
and  he  will  obtain  a  fresh  and  powerful  motive 
to  self-inspection.  He  will  be  assured  that  the 
Lord  doth  all  things  well,  and  will  be  concerned 
that  he  still  needs  this  discipline  to  wean  him 
from  the  earth,  and  fix  his  attachments  on 
heaven;  he  will  regret  that  he  has  made  so  little 
progress  towards  the  celestial  kingdom ;  and  he 
will  be  desirous  of  having  his  pace  quickened, 
and  of  acquiring  a  new,  and  powerful,  and  last- 
ing stimulus  to  diligence  and  exertion. 

But  there  are  dangers  and  errors  attending 
even  this  process  of  self-examination,  which  it 
will  be  right  to  keep  in  view,  or  we  may  arrive 
at  false  conclusions ;  and  with  all  our  scrutiny, 
and  all  our  sorrow,  derive  no  advantage  from 
either. 

So  great  a  flatterer  of  its  thoughts  and  actions 
i's  the  human  heart,  that  there  is  no  inconsiderable 


112  Ox\  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

danger  lest  we  be  induced,  with  specious  self- 
complacency,  to  proclaim  to  ourselves,  "  Peace, 
peace,  where  there  is  no  peace."*  The  principle 
of  self-love  is,  of  all  others,  the  most  intimately 
interwoven  with  our  nature ;  it  is  almost  the 
first  stimulus  to  action,  and  it  lends  its  charac- 
teristic influence  to  the  whole  of  our  conduct. 
Under  one  or  other  of  its  ever-varying  forms  it 
is  perpetually  exhibited  in  our  lives,  and  affords 
its  peculiar  bias  to  our  opinions,  while  it  confirms 
the  habits  and  strengthens  the  prejudices  we 
have  entertained,  and  thus  presents  an  obstacle 
to  the  discovery  of  truth,  lest  we  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  unwelcome  fact,  that  hitherto 
we  have  been  in  error.  Its  immediate  influence 
is  to  reconcile  u^  to  ourselves,  and  to  make  us 
well  pleased  with  what  we  are,  rather  than  with 
what  we  ought  to  be. 

The  discovery  of  the  unbounded  influence  of 
this  principle  will  humble  us,  will  assist  in  pre- 
serving us  from  error,  and,  by  laying  open  to 
our  view  the  secret  wickedness  of  the  miad,  will 
prove  that  *'  the  heart  is  deceitful  above  all 
things,  and  desperately  wicked  ;"t  that  it  "is 
prone  to  evil,  and  that  continually ;"  and  that 
nothing  short  of  divine  power  can  eflfect  a  change. 
This  will  induce  us  to  look  from  ourselves  to 

*  Jer.  vi.  14.-  tJer.  xvii.  9. 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION.  113 

the  Author  of  all  good  for  wisdom  and  strength; 
and  while  we  would  desire  to  maintain  a  constant 
warfare  with  evil,  we  shall  still  be  expecting 
support  from  him  ;  since  it  is  only  in  his  strength 
that  we  can  obtain  a  victory.  It  is  by  his  grace 
we  shall  escape  the  delusions  of  sin  and  error ; 
and  it  is  only  by  his  power  we  can  be  preserved 
from  falling. 

In  this  trial  we  shall  need  a  standard  of 
purity,  that  we  may  compare  the  actual  state  of 
our  bosoms  with  the  principles,  the  feelings, 
and  the  actions  which  should  constitute  the 
Christian  character.  But  this  standard  must 
not  be  of  our  own  selection,  or  we  should  accom- 
modate the  test  to  our  peculiar  views :  we  are 
too  apt  at  all  times  to  frame  systems,  and  to 
make  facts  and  opinions  subservient  to  their 
support ;  and  when  so  materially  interested,  it 
would  not  be  surprising  if  we  adopted  a  mode 
of  comparison  so  congenial  with  our  prejudices. 

Neither  must  we  adopt  a  standard  of  purity 
which  the  world  has  selected  ;  since  this  will  be 
ever  varying  according  to  the  deepening  shades 
of  error  which  encompass  the  votaries  of  fashion* 
and,  at  the  bidding  of  the  thoughtless  and  the 
gay,  will  be  easily  moulded  by  circumstances, 
and  will  assume  almost  any  shape  and  form, 
and  length  and  breadth,  which  convenience  may 
require. 

10* 


114  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

But  moral  rectitude  is  unchangeable  and  un- 
accommodating. It  is  the  same  to-day  as  a 
thousand  years  ago ;  it  is  the  same  under  every 
circumstance ;  nor  can  it  sustain  the  smallest 
alteration  in  its  nature,  without  suffering  a  pro- 
portionate loss.  We  look  in  vain  for  some  un- 
erring guide :  we  cannot  find  it  in  ourselves,  nor 
in  the  maxims  of  the  world,  nor  in  the  subhme 
ethics  of  philosophy.  The  only  true  standard 
is  the  Holy  Scripture,  and  it  is  by  its  precepts 
we  must  investigate  our  hearts.  Here  we  shall 
find  an  estimate  of  purity  the  most  sublime,  a 
tone  of  morality  the  most  exalted,  principles  the 
most  refined,  and  precepts  the  most  beneficent 
and  engaging.  We  shall  not  be  lulled  into 
security  by  false  opinions  and  distorted  maxims ; 
but  the  way  of  truth  will  be  so  plain,  that  we 
cannot  mistake ;  so  pure,  that  we  cannot  be 
deceived.  It  is  the  motive  which  characterizes 
the  act ;  a  corrupt  tree  cannot  bring  forth  good 
fruit :  and  thus  are  we  led  to  the  source  of  the 
evil,  and  to  the  only  possibility  of  cure,  in  a  new 
heart  and  a  right  spirit,  which  are  the  gift  of 
God.  We  have  no  longer  any  excuse  for  wan- 
dering in  the  dark ;  "  a  light"  is  provided  '*  for 
our  feet,  and  a  lamp  unto  our  paths."  If  we  are 
in  a  state  of  uncertainty,  here  we  may  be  directed 
into  the  way  of  all  truth,  the  way  which  leads 
to  present  peace  and  everlasting  happir.css.    To 


ON  SELF-EXAMINATION'.  115' 

this  Standard  alone  we  must  accommodate  our 
views ;  by  this  must  we  estimate  our  conduct ; 
and  if  we  are  really  desirous  of  ascertaining  the 
truth,  there  will  be  little  danger  of  error. 

A  superficial  glance,  however,  will  not  suffice. 
We  must  not  be  contented  to  examine  the  ex- 
terior profession  only,  nor  be  concerned  to  fix 
the  degree  of  estimation  in  which  our  character 
is  held  by  those  with  whom  we  are  associated. 
We  may  not  please  ourselves  with  the  correctness 
of  our  actions,  and  be  contented  to  remain  in 
uncertainty  with  regard  to  the  principles  which 
produce  them :  neither  may  we  assume  the  rec- 
titude of  our  motives,  because  we  are  induced  to 
be  more  attentive  to  the  concerns  of  religion, 
and  are  more  fastidious  in  some  parts  of  our 
conduct,  than  are  some  of  our  neighbours :  the 
very  evil  we  should  detect,  may  still  lurk  under 
a  plausible  garb  of  professed  piety,  and  thus 
readily  elude  our  feeble  search. 

We  are  not  called  to  examine  ourselves  as 
we  appear  to  others,  when  we  know  the  eye  of 
the  world  is  fixed  upon  us ;  but  as  we  really  are 
at  home,  in  the  secret  retreats  of  life,  in  the 
midst  of  our  family,  with  our  every-day  tempers 
and  dispositions,  exposed  to  unnumbered  sources 
of  irritation,  to  trials,  to  sickness,  and  privations; 
and,  more  than  all,  to  the  deceitfulness  of  the 
heart ! 


116  ON  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

Nor  are  we  simply  in  danger  of  looking  at  a 
few  weeds  on  the  surface,  and  of  forgetting  the 
source  from  which  they  spring  ;  but  we  are  like- 
wise disposed  to  give  only  a  partial  inspection. 
We  possess,  perhaps  from  nature,  some  quality 
which  we  vainly  imagine  is  superior ;  we  pride 
ourselves  on  its  exercise,  we  conceive  that  this 
will  hide  a  multitude  of  defects,  and  atone  for 
the  errors  and  the  follies  of  our  daily  life ;  and 
it  is  to  this  part  of  our  conduct  that  we  most 
readily  turn  the  inquiring  eye,  while  we  fondly 
strive  to  forget  all  our  faults  in  the  complacent 
satisfaction  we  derive  from  the  conscious  ex- 
ercise of  this  one  virtue.  We  must  be  divested 
of  partiality  before  we  can  be  prepared  to  in- 
vestigate our  conduct ;  and  we  must  distinctly 
remember  that  it  is  to  the  whole,  and  not  to  the 
exercise  of  one  insulated  principle,  that  our 
attention  must  be  directed. 

It  will  be  generally  found,  that  this  is  not  a 
pleasant  duty,  that  it  brings  to  our  view  so  much 
that  affords  matter  for  sorrow,  as  to  divest  us  of 
all  our  self-complacency.  But  if  we  are  sinful 
and  estranged  from  God,  this  is  the  very  effect 
intended  to  be  produced;  and  why  should  we 
hesitate  to  employ  the  means  f  The  end  designed 
by  affliction  is  the  sanctification  of  its  subject. 
And  how  can  this  be  accomplished,  but  by  the 
discovery  of  error,  by  repentance  and  turning 


Oi\  SELF-EXAMINATION.  117 

to  God,  and  by  the  exercise  of  faith  in  the  Lord 
Jesus  Christ,  as  the  only  Mediator  ?  We  cannot 
mortify  sin,  unless  we  know  and  trace  its  exist- 
ance  and  its  power  ;  nor  resist  temptation,  unless 
we  are  acquainted  with  its  influence.  We  cannot 
grow  in  conformity  with  the  image  of  Christ, 
unless  we  seek  diligently  to  destroy  the  reigning 
power  of  mortal  corruption;  nor  become  ac- 
quainted with  the  heart,  unless  we  commune 
with  ourselves,  and  examine  its  inmost  recesses. 
We  shall  not  justly  appreciate  the  littleness  of 
the  events  of  this  life,  and  the  magnitude  and 
importance  of  the  concerns  of  eternity,  until  we 
know  our  own  hearts,  their  aversion  from  all 
that  is  good,  their  tendency  to  evil,  their  attach- 
ment to  the  earth  and  all  its  vanities,  and  their 
entire  unfitness  for  heaven. 

We  cannot  indulge  security,  unless  we  are 
satisfied  of  our  advancement  in  the  divine  life . 
and  how  can  we  be  satisfied  with  our  puny  attain- 
ments^ when  the  great  apostle  of  the  Gentiles 
declares  that  he  acts  not  as  though  he  had 
already  attained,  either  were  already  perfect, 
but  exclaims,  "  I  follow  after,  if  that  I  may  ap- 
prehend that  for  which  also  I  am  apprehended 
of  Christ  Jesus.  Brethren,  I  count  not  myself 
to  have  apprehended :  but  this  one  thing  I  do, 
forgetting  those  things  which  are  behind,  and 
reachinof  forth  unto  those  things  which  are  before, 


118  OS  SELF-EXAMINATION. 

I  press  toward  the  mark  for  the  prize  of  the 
high  calUng  of  God  in  Christ  Jesus."*  Let  us 
then  be  active  and  dihgent ;  let  us  not  be  slothful, 
but  followers  of  them  who,  through  faith  and 
patience,  inherit  the  promises. 

It  is  then  our  duty  to  examine  ourselves  with 
sincerity,  entreating  the  presence  and  assistance 
of  the  Holy  Spirit  of  Truth.  For  we  are  feeble, 
guilty  creatures ;  we  cannot  think  a  good  thought, 
nor  do  a  good  action ;  and  it  is  only  through 
strengthening  grace  that  we  shall  be  able  to 
perform  this  duty  aright.  We  must  do  our  part ; 
but  God  alone  can  bless  our  feeble  efforts ;  he 
only  can  thoroughly  know  the  heart  and  disclose 
its  secrets  to  us,  can  lead  and  guide  us  into  the 
way  of  truth,  enable  us  to  walk  in  the  light  of 
his  countenance,  and  teach  us  to  profit  by  his 
word  and  by  his  dispensations.  With  earnest 
soHcitude,  then,  shall  we  adopt  the  prayer  of  the 
Psalmist:  "Search  me,  O  God,  and  know  my 
heart :  try  me,  and  know  my  thoughts  :  and  see 
if  there  be  any  wicked  way  in  me,  and  lead  me 
in  the  way  everlasting,"!  with  the  delightful 
confidence  that  the  prayer  of  faith  will  be  heard 
and  answered. 

*  Phil.  iii.  12—14.  t  Psa.  cxxxix.  23,  24. 


119 


CHAPTER  VI. 

ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

Submission  to  the  will  of  God  under  the  afflic- 
tive events  with  which  he  is  pleased  to  visit  his 
children,  is  a  lesson  of  the  first  importance,  and 
a  paramount   duty   of  the   Christian  mourner. 
The  sacrifice  of  a  contrite,  obedient  spirit,  is 
well  pleasing  to  God.     The  exercise  of  cheerful 
resignation  to  his  will  is,  perhaps,  a  duty  the 
most  difi^icult  to  perform  ;  but  it  involves  a  prin- 
ciple which,  when  it  originates  from  a  heart-felt 
conviction  of  the  power  and  wisdom  of  Jehovah, 
regulated  and  characterized  by  his  mercy  and 
love,  from  a  persuasion  of  his  right  to  do  with 
us  as  seemeth  good  in  his  sight,  and  of  his  in- 
flexible justice  and  matchless  purity  ;  when  it  is 
strengthened  by  the  recollection  of  His  faithful- 
ness, who  has  promised  that  all  things  shall  work 
together  for  the  eventual  good  of  those  who  love, 
and  serve,  and  fear  him  ;  when  it  is  founded  on 
the  propriety  of  our  obedience  to  Him  whose  we 
are;  and  when  it  is  sanctioned  by  an  abiding 
sense  of  our  own  sinfulness  and  exposure  to  the 


120  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

wrath  of  God,  with  just  views  of  the  great  good 
to  be  accomplished  in  us,  is  at  once  the  most 
dehghtful  and  the  highest  attainment  of  the 
Christian  temper  on  earth. 

However  plausible  and  easy  this  may  appear 
to  be  in  theory,  however  much  it  may  seem  to 
be  the  natural  result  of  the  Christian  character, 
it  is  quite  certain,  that  to  feel  the  chastening 
hand  of  God,  and  at  the  same  time  to  exercise 
a  cheerful  acquiescence  in  the  divine  appoint- 
ment, is  so  contrary  to  human  nature,  that  it  is 
extremely  difficult  to  bear  suffering  with  that 
meekness,  humility,  patience,  submission,  and 
sorrow  for  sin,  which  are  included  in  this  grace. 
Hence  the  necessity  of  becoming  familiar  with 
the  duty,  and  striving  most  earnestly  not  only 
to  know,  but  to  feel  and  practise  it. 

Resignation  presupposes  a  decided  preference 
of  doing  what  God  commands,  and  undergoing 
what  he  inflicts,  to  the  enjoyment  of  our  own 
pleasures  and  desires.  Before  the  human  mind 
can  cheerfully  bear  its  inclinations  to  be  thwarted, 
and  its  affections  nipped  in  their  kindliest  growth, 
it  must  be  deeply  imbued  with  the  righteousness 
of  Jehovah's  character  and  government,  and 
with  the  infinite  value  of  the  soul :  it  must  have 
been  taught  the  vanity  of  seeking  happiness  in 
the  creature,  and  the  superior  nature  of  religious 
joys.     Naturally  self-willed,  attached  to  the  pre- 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  121 

sent  scenes,  and  desirous  of  gratifying  those 
affections  and  feelings  which  own  a  depraved 
heart  for  their  source,  and  present  objects  for 
their  centre,  it  is  not  easy  to  give  up  our  own 
will  thus  entirely,  and  requires  not  only  our 
renewal  by  the  Holy  Spirit,  but  likewise  the 
exercise  of  a  constant  reliance  on  Him  who 
demands  these  sacrifices  only  for  our  good. 

Resignation  implies  a  distrust  of  our  own 
understanding,  and  a  cheerful  confidence  in  the 
wisdom  of  God.  The  mind  fondly  clings  to  the 
imperfect  views  of  mortality,  and  with  the  scanty 
knowledge  of  a  day,  often  vainly  imagines  that 
it  could  remedy  evils  and  alleviate  suflferings 
which  we  now  see  and  feel  to  be  prevalent  and 
inevitable.  But  the  pride  of  inteKect  must  be 
abandoned;  we  must  become  as  little  children 
before  we  can  suflfer  the  will  of  God  with  placid 
submission.  We  must  cease  to  speculate  on 
the  causes  and  consequences  of  our  sufi'ering, 
and  to  scrutinize  inquisitively  the  reasons  of  the 
divine  appointment ;  we  must  believe  that  it  is 
right,  because  he  does  it;  and  rely  with  confi- 
dence on  his  gracious  promise,  that  "  what  we 
know  not  now,  we  shall  know  hereafter."  God 
has  promised  to  reveal  to  us  his  designs  in  a 
future  life,  and  to  enable  us  to  perceive  the  end 
of  that  afiliction  which  sovereign  mercy  has 
commissioned  to  detach  us  from  the  world. 
11 


122  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  REStCNATlON. 

This  duty  pre-siipposes  ahelief  of  the  goodness 
of  God.  We  must  possess  exalted  views  of  a 
Saviour's  character,  before  we  can  trust  our  all 
in  his  hands.  Could  we  entertain  a  doubt  of 
his  infinite  holiness,  believe  the  possibility  of  his 
imkindness,  or  indulge  the  thought  that  all  his 
dispensations  are  not  the  result  of  his  compassion, 
we  could  not  commit  ourselves  to  his  care  and 
guidance.  But  God  is  love:  he  has  revealed 
himself  under  the  most  endearing  characters ; 
he  has  exhibited  his  mercy,  in  that  he  has  re- 
conciled us  to  himself  through  the  blood  of  a 
dying  Redeemer ;  and  will  he  not  likewise  give 
us  inferior  blessings .?  He  is  infinitely  good  ;  he 
does  not  willingly  afflict  his  children,  but  chastens 
them  for  their  profit ;  and,  assured  that  all  our 
trials  proceed  from  this  pure  source,  we  cheer- 
fully resign  ourselves  to  his  disposal. 

Our  heavenly  Father  has  promised  to  support 
us,  and  informs  us  that  he  has  commissioned 
trials  to  bring  about  our  sanctification.  And  if 
we  contemplate  the  character  of  God,  the  equity 
of  his  government,  the  appointments  of  his  pro- 
vidence, and  his  dealings  with  ourselves,  we  shall 
have  reason  to  believe  that  He  is  faithful  icho 
lias  promised,  and  that  he  is  able  to  keep  that 
which  we  have  committed  to  his  care. 

The  duty  of  resignation  comprehends  farther, 
an  unfeigned  dedication  of  ourselves  to  the  Lord 


OK  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  123 

of  heaven  and  earth.  We  must  have  chosen 
him  for  our  God,  because  he  has  made  us  his 
children ;  and  have  determined  to  know  nothing 
among  men  save  Jesus  Christ,  and  him  crucified. 
We  must  have  been  convinced  of  our  dependence 
on  him,  and  have  resolved  with  all  our  hearts 
and  minds  to  live  to  his  glory,  before  we  can 
cheerfully  seek  to  know  and  to  do  his  will  exclu- 
sively. Then  shall  we  not  be  moved  by  any  of 
these  light  afflictions,  but  shall  consider  simply 
the  hand  of  God,  acknowledge  that  not  the 
minutest  circumstance  escapes  his  observation, 
and  be  earnestly  desirous  of  doing  what  he  re- 
quires, under  every  changing  scene. 

From  this  slight  sketch,  it  is  evident  that  the 
perfect  exercise  of  this  principle  is  no  ordinary 
attainment ;  but  it  is  not  a  trifling  good  we  have 
placed  before  us  as  the  prize.  The  active  in- 
fluence of  this  grace  difl'uses  so  much  peace  and 
serenity  over  the  mind,  aflbrds  such  solid  ground 
of  consolation,  and  gives  so  well  founded  a  hope 
of  our  eternal  interest  in  the  Saviour's  righte- 
ousness, that  it  is  indeed  worthy  our  pursuit ; 
for  success  will  prove  a  source  of  unspeakable 
blessing,  and  we  shall  praise  the  hand  that  has 
afflicted  us. 

The  possession  of  this  virtue  in  its  active  in- 
fluence, as  it  weans  from  earth  and  leads  us  to 
place  our  aflections  on  heavenly  objects,  is  id- 


124  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATIOA. 

finitely  more  necessary  to  our  peace  than  any 
comfort  w©  may  have  lost.  An  all-wise  Jehovah 
has  taken  from  us  a  beloved  object — the  source 
of  much  present  pleasure ;  but  it  is  his  design  to 
bring  us  to  love  Iiim  more — to  mature  us  for 
the  enjoyment  of  richer  blessings  in  a  world  of 
unfading  bliss,  and  to  make  us  more  like  unto 
Him  who  was  a  man  of  sorrows  and  acquainted 
with  grief. 

We  are  in  the  frequent  habit  of  repeating 
that  beautiful  and  concise  petition,  "  Thy  will  be 
done ;"  yet  we  too  often  overlook  the  extensive 
duties  it  embraces,  and  the  boundless  submission 
which  it  promises.  It  is  reasonable  that  God 
should  try  the  patience  of  his  children,  and  teach 
them  obedience  to  his  will.  Hence,  there  are 
the  best  of  reasons  for  their  afflictions,  without 
which  they  would  be  destitute  of  these  graces, 
which  can  only  be  exemplified  when  their  wills 
are  opposed.  The  Christian  character  can  be 
perfected  only  by  the  exercise  of  these  principles ; 
and  hence  we  pray  daily,  that  God  would  try  us, 
and  purify  us,  and,  consequently,  would  oppose 
our  inclinations  and  desires ;  in  truth,  that  he 
would  afilict  us. 

This  prayer  includes  a  profession  of  our  readi- 
ness to  suffer  for  Christ's  sake.  When,  there- 
fore, death  removes  *'  the  desire  of  his  eyes  with 
a  stroke,"  the  Christian  still  will  bless  God — 


OxN  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  125 

will  praise  him  for  that  grace  which  enables 
him  to  support  his  trials — will  look  to  Jesus  as 
to  the  kind  shepherd  who  will  not  suffer  him  to 
want — will  receive  all  his  appointments  with  a 
placid  and  grateful  heart,  and  seek  to  be  more 
and  more  closely  united  to  him.  We  pray  that 
the  work  of  patience  may  be  wrought  and  per- 
fected in  us,  and  we  leave  the  care  of  accom- 
plishing this  great  end  to  Him  who  best  knows 
our  hearts,  and  can  well  appreciate  its  necessity. 

It  is  possible  that,  in  effect,  we  entreat  that 
some  of  our  favourite  schemes  may  be  thwarted, 
our  loveliest  prospects  shrouded,  and  our  greatest 
earthly  blessings  removed  from  us ;  and  yet,  in 
the  anticipation  of  all  these  circumstances,  we 
promise  a  cheerful  acquiescence  in  the  divine 
will.  It  is  the  Lord,  let  him  do  what  seemeth 
him  good,  is  the  temper  in  which  the  greatest 
afflictions  should  be  encountered.  We  may,  in- 
deed, pray  for  their  removal,  with  submission  to 
the  appointment  of  Heaven ;  but  we  must  con- 
clude our  petition  in  the  words  of  our  Saviour: 
••  Nevertheless,  not  my  will,  but  thine  be  done." 

The  best  safeguard  of  our  peace,  and  the  most 
appropriate  expression  of  our  afiectioiiiite  de- 
pendence on  the  divine  power,  will  be  to  exercise 
contentment  with  our  lot  however  adverse,  and 
to  suppress  the  secret  murmnrings  of  that  heart 
which  is  by  nature  prone  to  rebellion  against 
II* 


126  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION:. 

God.  It  will  not  be  sufficient  that  we  avoid 
accusing  of  injustice  the  Supreme  Being,  or 
uttering  our  displeasure  by  insinuations  against 
the  goodness  and  purity  of  his  character ;  that 
we  avoid  accusing  him  of  unkindness  or  partiality 
in  the  distribution  of  his  favours;  or  that  wc 
profess  our  submission  to  his  appointments,  our 
obedience  to  his  will,  and  our  attachment  to  his 
government  and  his  cause :  but  the  secret  dis- 
content  of  the  heart  must  be  sought  out  and 
combated,  a  feeling  which,  though  frequently 
unexpressed,  occupies  and  estranges  the  mind, 
and  fills  it  with  unjust  and  injurious  thoughts  of 
our  heavenly  Father. 

Do  we,  then,  now  entertain  exalted  ideas  of 
Jehovah's  character,  and  of  the  equity  of  his 
dealings  with  us?  Can  we  deliberately  pro- 
nounce his  work  to  be  good  ?  And  are  our  af- 
fections warmed  and  kindled  by  the  discipline 
with  which  he  has  visited  us,  rather  than  con- 
tracted and  shrivelled  by  the  indulgence  of  dis- 
content f  If  there  be  no  expansion  of  the  heart ; 
if  we  cannot  bless  God  for  his  mercy  in  afflict- 
ing us,  we  have  not  yet  learned  the  duty  of  ac- 
quiescence in  his  will. 

The  Christian's  temper,  and  particularly  hi§ 
decided  preference  of  the  love  of  God  to  every 
inferior  blessing,  is  peculiarly  exercised  undejr 
seasons  of  affliction.     Submission  to  the  will  of 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  127 

God  cannot  readily  be  counterfeited:  there  is 
nothing  in  the  human  mind  sufficiently  analo- 
gous with  it,  to  assume  its  prevailing  features^ 
It  cannot  be  mistaken  for  the  principles  of  the 
stoic.  These,  indeed,  may  do  much  in  fortify- 
ing the  mind ;  but  they  can  never  bring  it  to  a 
patient  submission  to  the  disposal  of  Infinite 
Wisdom.  The  highest  lessons  of  philosophic' 
morality  fall  very  far  short  of  this  last  but  best 
attainment  of  the  Christian.  And,  indeed,  this 
important  point  of  duty  can  only  be  learned  of 
God ;  it  can  only  be  kept  alive  in  the  heart  by 
his  power ;  it  can  only  be  invigorated  and  sup- 
ported in  the  soul  that  lives  with  God.  The 
heart  which  dwells  much  upon  the  earth;  the 
thoughts  that  are  engaged  on  worldly  objects; 
the  affections  which  are  anxiously  fixed  on  the 
things  that  are  seen,  and  which  do  not  princi- 
pally delight  to  love  God,  and  to  hold  commu- 
nion with  him,  are  obstacles  to  the  exercise  of 
resignation. 

It  is,  indeed,  quite  possible  to  bear  sufifering 
without  complaining,  and  yet  not  to  be  resigned 
to  the  will  of  Heaven ;  it  is  possible  to  practise 
the  careless  apathy  of  indifference,  without  the 
smallest  claim  to  that  calm  composure  of  heart 
which  knows  and  feels,  admires  and  loves,  the 
chastisements  which  proceed  from  God.  There 
are  characters  whose  pride  will  bear  them  far 


128  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

above  the  influence  of  complaint,  but  whose 
breast  is  agitated  by  tumultuous  passions,  and 
occupied  with  harsh  and  rebellious  thoughts 
against  God,  and  his  goodness  and  mercy. 
There  are,  unquestionably,  those,  who,  in  the 
apparent  calmness  with  which  they  meet  trials, 
would  seem  to  hold  out  examples  of  suffering 
affliction,  but  who  endure  from  necessity  what 
they  consider  as  unavoidable,  because  murmur- 
ing would  but  add  to  their  disquietude;  and  who 
stubbornly  refuse  to  yield  obedience  to  the  all- 
wise  hand  which  dispenses  every  affliction  as 
well  as  every  pleasure.  Their  quietude  arises 
from  want  of  feeling  on  the  one  hand,  or  from 
indifference  to  the  judgments  of  God,  not  from 
that  peace  which  passeth  all  understanding. 

The  equanimity  of  the  Christian  may,  per- 
haps, arise  in  part  from  similar  principles,  and 
while  he  aims  to  be  submissive  to  his  heavenly 
Father,  he  will  inquire  if  his  resignation  pro- 
ceed from  just  principles,  and  if  its  tendency  be 
to  wean  the  heart  from  the  world,  and  to  make 
him  more  in  love  with  the  beauties  of  religion, 
ar^d  the  glorious  prospects  of  an  unseen  state. 
In  the  performance  of  this  difficult  but  import- 
ant duty,  he  will  be  desirous  of  obtaining  every 
assistance,  to  strengthen  his  faith,  and  hope,  and 
dependence  upon  God.  Such  assistance  has 
been  supplied  in  the  animating  example  of  suf- 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  129 

fering  saints,  with  which  the   Holy  Scriptures 
abound. 

Abraham  was  called  upon  to  sacrifice  his  son 
Isaac — his  oidy  son — the  child  of  his  old  age — 
and  him  on  whom  so  large  a  promise  depended. 
He  was  called  to  yield  him  up  into  the  hands  of 
God  who  gave  him,  when  his  opening  faculties 
had  endeared  him  to  an  aged  father's  heart,  by 
many  interesting  associations  and  brightening 
prospects  of  his  future  greatness,  and  useful- 
ness, and  blessedness.  For  this  sad  event  he  is 
quite  unprepared;  and  it  is  aggravated,  too,  by 
being  apparently  within  his  own  control.  His 
darhng  child  is  not  taken  away  by  disease,  or 
by  any  of  those  accidents  to  which  human  na- 
ture is  liable.  Had  this  been  the  case,  Abra- 
ham might  have  reflected  on  the  impossibility  of 
his  returning  to  him,  and  of  the  mercy  of  God 
in  having  removed  him.  But  he  is  directed  to 
prepare  for  his  death — to  be  himself  the  instru- 
ment!— to  immolate  his  son  to  the  Almighty! 
Can  any  circumstances  more  distressing  be  con- 
ceived, which  would  more  probably  excite  all 
the  agonizing  reluctance  of  parental  affection? 
And  yet,  when  the  Lord  Jehovah  calls  him,  he 
answers,  "  Here  am  I ;"  in  faith  he  resigns 
himself  to  the  disposal  of  God ;  and  with  the 
most  perfect  submission  to  his  will,  he  proceeds 
even  to  the  last  extremity.     God,  however,  in- 


130  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATIOiN. 

terposes;  and  he  will  interpose  for  you;   nou 
indeed,  in  the  same  miraculous  manner,  but  in 
enabhng   you  to  bear  with   meekness  and  pa- 
tience the  trial  with  which  he  has  visited  you. 
We  see  how  honourable  a  testimony  is  borne  to 
Abraham's  faith  by  the  Apostle  Paul,  and  the 
great  and  inestimable  benefits  with  which  it  is 
connected.     And  the  Lord  himself  declares  that 
he  is  well  pleased  with  this  humble  sacrifice; 
for,  *'By  myself  have  I  sworn,  saith  the  Lord, 
because  thou  hast  done  this  thing,  and  hast  not 
withheld  thy  son,  thine  only  son :  that  in  bless- 
ing I  will  bless  thee,  and  in  multiplying  I  will 
multiply  thy  seed  as  the  stars  of  heaven,  and  as 
the  sand  which  is  upon  the  sea-shore;  and  thy 
seed  shall  possess  the  gate  of  his  enemies ;  and 
in  thy  seed  shall  all  the  nations  of  the  earth  be 
blessed ;  because  thou  hast  obeyed  my  voice."* 
Here  is  encouragement  to   wait   upon  God, 
and  do  his  will:  an  incentive  to  acquiescence  in 
all  his  appointments,  however  painful  and  ad- 
verse.     Here  too  is  a  distinguishing  proof  of 
the  influence  of  religion  in  supporting  the  mind 
imder    the    most   afl^ictive   dispensations;    and 
when  we  recollect,  that  this  was  exhibited  by 
one  who  did  not,  as  we  do,  enjoy  a  clear  revela- 
tion of  Jesus  Christ,  it  is  enough  to  excite  the 

*  Gen.  xxii.  16—18. 


ON  THE  DUTY    OF  RESIGNATION.  I3l 

crimson  glow  of  shame,  that,  with  all  our  privi- 
leges, we  are  so  far  behind  the  patriarch  of  old. 
Let  us  emulate  his  example,  and  earnestly  pray 
for  his  faith,  his  submission,  his  obedience,  and 
then  may  we  expect  to  inherit  the  blessings 
which  are  prepared  for  those  who  follow  his 
steps. 

Many  other  eminent  saints  have  felt  exam- 
ples of  resignation  and  patience  under  affliction, 
such  as  Job,  and  David,  and  others;  all  serving 
to  strengthen  and  confirm  the  inferences  we 
have  drawn  from  the  example  of  Abraham. 
Neither  are  the  instances  of  a  patient  endurance 
of  affliction  confined  to  the  Old  Testament  dis- 
pensation: for  the  Apostles  counted  it  joy  to 
sufifer  for  Christ's  sake;  and  the  primitive  Chris- 
tians, actuated  by  Uvely  faith  in  the  Redeemer, 
endured  the  cross,  despised  the  most  cruel  per- 
secutions, cheerfully  underwent  a  great  variety 
of  privations,  and  suffered  distresses,  fully  equal 
to  any  which  can  fall  to  the  lot  of  humanity,  in 
the  present  day.  Yet  their  strength  was  made 
perfect  in  weakness ;  they  were  enabled  not  only 
to  be  submissive,  and  to  endure  with  fortitude, 
but  to  rejoice  in  tribulation,  to  triumph  over 
death  in  every  frightful  shape,  and  to  commit 
the  keeping  of  their  souls  unto  a  faithfid  Crea- 
tor. God  was  with  them  and  supported  them  : 
his  presence  was  the  ground  of  their  joy,  and 


132  ON  THE  DUTY  of  RESIGNATION. 

their  acquiescence  in  his  will  the  means  of  their 
receiving  the  richest  blessings.  He  is  able  to 
keep  us  from  falling,  to  preserve  us  from  every 
danger,  and  to  refine  and  purify  us  from  all 
iniquity. 

God  has  likewise  given  for  our  imitation,  the 
example  of  his  only-begotten  Son  Jesus  Christ. 
Our  adorable  Lord  was  no  stranger  to  sorrow, 
for  he  was  despised  and  rejected  of  men ;  yet  he 
opened  not  his  mouth:  he  took  upon  himself 
our  infirmities,  and  supported  the  accumulated 
weight  of  human  wo;  yet  without  the  smallest 
admixture  of  sin:  in  this  world  he  was  poor, 
despised,  and  persecuted,  arraigned  as  a  crimi- 
nal, and  condemned,  though  innocent,  to  sufifer 
the  death  of  the  cross :  surely,  he  has  borne  our 
griefs  and  carried  our  infirmities ;  he  bore  our 
sins  ill  his  own  body  on  the  cross ;  he  suffered 
the  wrath  of  God  due  to  the  sins  of  guilty  rebels ; 
and,  above  all,  he  was  deprived  of  the  support- 
ing, comforting  presence  of  his  Father^  so  that 
he  exclaims,  "  My  God,  my  God,  why  hast  thou 
forsaken  n>e?"*  Was  ever  grief  like  this ?  "My 
soul  is  exceeding  sorrowful,  even  unto  death. "t 
Yet,  though  he  prays  earnestly  and  repeatedly, 
*'  O  my  Father,  if  it  be  possible,  let  this  cup 
pass  from  me  ;"  he  adds,  "nevertheless,  not  as 

*  Matt,  xxvii.  46.  t  Matt.  xxvi.  38. 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESl«NATION.  133 

1  will,  but  as  thou  wilt."*  Thus,  in  his  incarna- 
tion, his  life,  his  sufferings,  and  his  death,  he 
every  where  exhibits,  for  the  imitation  of  his 
followers,  an  example  of  perfect  submission. 

Can  there  be  a  more  powerful  stimulus  to 
resignation  than  this,  to  resemble  in  some  faint 
degree  the  perfections  of  a  dying  Redeemer, 
unto  whose  likeness  we  must  be  conformed  in 
life,  and  into  whose  image  we  shall  be  changed 
from  glory  to  glory  in  a  world  of  bliss  f  We 
shall  be  happy  in  proportion  as  we  resemble 
our  crucified  Lord ;  and  can  expect  the  consola- 
tion of  his  grace  only  in  following  him.  Under 
trials,  it  is  delightful  to  the  Christian  to  reflect, 
that  it  is  by  the  instrumentality  of  these  unwel- 
come monitors  he  is  led  to  follow  Christ.  During 
the  calm  sunshine  of  prosperity,  he  may  per- 
chance maintain  his  ground,  more  probably  will 
grow  lukewarm;  but  it  is  only  through  much 
tribulation  he  can  follow  his  incarnate  Lord. 
His  path  to  heaven  led  through  difficulties,  and 
sorrows,  and  temptations,  and  so  will  that  of  all 
his  children  who  take  up  their  cross  and  follow 
him.  Let  us  then  welcome  the  affliction  which 
promises,  if  sanctified,  to  advance  us  nearer  to 
his  throne,  and  to  assimilate  us  with  himself. 
May  we  be  ashamed  that  we  live  at  so  great  a 

*  Matt.  xxvi.  39. 

12 


134  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

distance  from  God;  that,  in  the  calmest  mo- 
ments of  resignation,  we  fall  so  far  short  of  His 
obedience  to  the  will  of  his  heavenly  Father, 
and  that  our  hearts  are  so  cold  and  lifeless,  in 
being  taught  "to  profit."  May  we  seek  the 
guidance  of  his  Spirit  to  lead  us  into  the  way  of 
all  truth,  and  to  bring  us  to  himself. 

He  who  well  knew  the  human  heart,  and  that 
it  needed  "  line  upon  line,  and  precept  upon 
precept,"  has  not  only  given  us  examples  of 
obedience,  but  his  word  is  amply  stored  with  pre- 
cepts and  promises  to  enforce  the  duty.  A  few 
scattered  observations  from  the  Sacred  Writings 
are  placed  below.  "  Thou  shalt  call,  and  I  will 
answer  thee.  He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  1  will 
answer  him :  I,  will  be  with  him  in  trouble ;  I 
will  deliver  him,  and  honour  him.  With  long 
life  will  I  satisfy  him,  and  show  him  my  salvation. 
The  Lord  is  nigh  unto  all  that  call  upon  him,  to 
all  that  call  upon  him  in  truth.  The  righteous 
cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth  them,  and  delivereth 
them  out  of  all  their  troubles.  How  excellent 
is  thy  loving-kindness,  O  God!  therefore  the 
children  of  men  put  their  trust  under  the  shadow 
of  thy  wings.  Fear  thou  not;  for  I  am  with 
thee :  be  not  dismayed ;  for  1  am  thy  God :  I 
will  strengthen  thee ;  yea,  I  will  help  thee ;  yea, 
I  will  uphold  thcc  with  the  right  hand  of  my 
righteousness.     For  I  the  Lord  thy  God  will 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGXATION.  135 

hold  thy  right  hand,  saying  unto  thee,  Fear  not ; 
for  I  will  help  thee.  When  the  poor  and  needy 
seek  water,  and  there  is  none,  and  their  tongue 
faileth  for  thirst,  I  the  Lord  will  hear  them,  I 
the  God  of  Israel  will  not  forsake  them.  I  Imve 
seen  his  ways,  and  will  heal  him  :  I  will  lead 
him  also,  and  restore  comfort  to  him  and  to  his 
mourners.  But  now,  O  Lord,  thou  art  our 
Father ;  we  are  the  clay,  and  thou  our  potter ; 
and  we  all  are  the  work  of  thy  hand.  For  I 
know  the  thoughts  that  I  think  towards  you, 
saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of  peace,  and  not  of 
evil,  to  give  you  an  expected  end.  Then  shall 
ye  call  upon  me,  and  ye  shall  go  and  pray  unto 
me,  and  I  will  hearken  unto  you.  And  ye  shall 
seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye  shall  search  for 
me  with  all  your  heart,  and  I  will  be  found  of 
you,  saith  the  Lord.  Though  he  cause  grief, 
yet  will  he  have  compassion  according  to  the 
multitude  of  his  mercies.  For  he  doth  not  afflict 
willingly,  nor  grieve  the  children  of  men.  The 
sacrifices  of  God  are  a  broken  spirit ;  a  broken 
and  a  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou  wilt  not 
despise.  Be  careful  for  nothing ;  but  in  every 
thing  by  prayer  and  supplication  with  thanks- 
giving, let  your  requests  be  made  known  unto 
God.  And  the  peace  of  God,  which  passeth  all 
understanding,  shall  keep  your  hearts  and  minds 
through  Jesus  Christ.     If  ye  endure  chastening, 


136  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGx\ATION. 

God  dealeth  with  you  as  with  sons:  for  what 
son  is  he  whom  the  father  chasteneth  not  r 
But  if  ye  be  without  chastisement,  whereof  all 
are  partakers,  then  are  ye  bastards,  and  not 
sons.  Hide  not  thy  face  from  me  in  the  day 
when  I  am  in  trouble ;  incUne  thine  ear  unto 
me  :  in  the  day  when  I  call,  answer  me  speedily. 
In  the  day  when  I  cried,  thou  answeredst  me, 
and  strengthenedst  me  with  strength  in  my  soul. 
Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be  safe :  and  I  will 
have  respect  unto  thy  statutes  continually.  O 
God,  be  not  far  from  me :  O  my  God,  make 
haste  for  my  help.  Make  haste  to  help  me,  O 
Lord  my  salvation.  Forsake  me  not,  O  Lord ; 
O  my  God,  be  not  far  from  me.  Be  pleased,  O 
Lord,  to  deliver,  me:  O  Lord,  make  haste  to 
help  me.  Will  he  plead  against  me  with  his 
great  power  ?  No  ;  but  he  would  put  strength 
in  me.  The  Lord  is  on  my  side  ;  I  will  not  fear 
what  man  can  do  unto  me.  The  Lord  is  the 
strength  of  my  life  ;  of  whom  shall  I  be  afraid  i 
Though  an  host  should  encamp  against  me, 
though  I  walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow 
of  death,  I  will  fear  no  evil.  Cast  thy  burden 
upon  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  sustain  thee :  he 
shall  never  suffer  the  righteous  to  be  moved. 
He  that  dwelleth  in  the  secret  place  of  the  Most 
High  shall  abide  under  the  shadow  of  the  Al- 
mighty.    He  that  toucheth   you,  toucheth  tljQ 


ON  THE  DUTY  OP  RESIGNATION.  13^ 

apple  of  his  eye.  We  have  a  strong  city ;  sal- 
vation will  God  appoint  for  walls  and  bulwarks. 
For  he  shall  give  his  angels  charge  over  thee, 
to  keep  thee  in  all  thy  ways.  They  shall  bear 
thee  up  in  their  hands,  lest  thou  dash  thy  foot 
against  a  stone."* 

Afflictions  are  indeed  blessings  in  disguise. 
David  says,  "  Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went 
astray  :  but  now  I  have  known  thy  ways."  And 
he  concludes  "  that  it  was  good  for  him  to  have 
been  afflicted  :"t  he  esteemed  it  one  of  his 
greatest  mercies :  and  thus  it  ever  is  with  the 
children  of  God  in  this  world;  they  will  find  a 
blessing  concealed  behind  the  darkest  cloud, 
provided  they  wait  and  pray  for  it.  The  consi- 
deration of  this  circumstance  should  lead  us  to 
the  exercise  of  cheerfulness.  We  should  aim 
not  only  to  be  submissive,  but  grateful;  not 
merely  to  bear  with  contentment  the  hand  which 
smites,  but  likewise  to  praise  him  from  whom 
all  blessings  flow. 

It  is  not  contended  that  the  mourner  should 
not  feel   and   lament,   but   only  that  his  brow 

*  Job  liv.  15.  Psa.  xci.  15,  16;  cxlv.  18;  xxxiv.  17;  xxxvi.  7. 
Isa.  xli.  10,  13,  17;  Ivii.  18;  Ixiv.  8.  Jer.  xxix.  11—14.  Lam.  iii. 
32,  33.  Psa.  li.  17.  Phil.  iv.  6,  7.  Heb.  xii.  7,  8.  Psa.  cii  2; 
cxxxviii.  3;  cxix.  117;  Ixxi.  12;  xxxvm.21,22;  xl.  13.  Job  xxiii, 
6.  Psa.  cxviii.  6;  xxvii.  1,  3 ;  xxiii.  4;  Iv.  22;  xci.  1.  Zech.  ii. 
8.    Isa.  xxvi.  1.     Psa.  xci,  11,  12. 

t  Psa.  cxix.  67,  71. 

12* 


138  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

should  not  be  ever  clouded  by  anxiety,  his  spirits 
depressed  beyond  recovery,  nor  his  temper  ren- 
dered wayward  by  discontent.  He  should  aim 
at  that  cheerfulness  which  arises  from  casting 
all  his  burden  upon  God,  and  the  consciousness 
of  having  intrusted  himself  and  his  all  in  his 
hands.  "  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled :  ye 
believe  in  God,  believe  also  in  me.  In  my 
Father's  house  are  many  mansions  :  if  it  were 
not  so,  I  would  have  told  you.  I  go  to  prepare 
a  place  for  you.  And  if  I  go  and  prepare  a 
place  for  you,  I  will  come  again  and  receive 
you  unto  myself;  that  where  I  am,  there  ye 
may  be  also."* 

When  the  fond  husband  or  the  tender  parent 
weeps  over  the  dear  relative  whom  death  has 
snatched  away  as  the  fragrant  blossom  was 
hastening  to  maturity,  the  earth  appears  a  mere 
blank,  an  empty  space,  a  Hfeless  portrait,  a 
landscape  in  which  we  must  appear  to  move, 
but  whence  the  vital  principle,  which  till  now 
has  animated  our  bosoms,  has  fled  for  ever. 
He  must  finish  his  journey  alone,  and  the  solitude 
of  his  aching  bosom  will  be  relieved  only  by 
those  unparticipated  disquietudes  which  await 
him  as  he  passes  through  life. 

But  when  he  looks  beyond  the  grave  to  the 

*  John  xiv.  1—3. 


OiN  THE  DUTY    OF  RESIGNATION.  139 

rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God; 
when  he  contemplates  the  dearest  friend  of  his 
bosom  removed  from  suftering,  and  entered  into 
this  rest ;  translated  from  earth  to  heaven,  from 
sorrow  to  joy,  from  pain  to  immortality,  and 
transformed  into  the  image  of  his  Redeemer; 
he  experiences  a  degree  of  peace  which  nought 
else  can  afford.  He  calmly  yields  to  the  will  of 
his  heavenly  Father,  and  finds  a  satisfaction 
almost  indescribable,  while  his  spirit  bounds 
farward  in  anticipation  of  the  blissful  period, 
when  mortality  shall  be  swallowed  up  of  life ; 
when  this  corruptible  shall  have  put  on  incor- 
ruptioii,  and  his  spirit,  disengaged  from  the  dull 
prison  of  mortality,  shall  wing  its  flight  to  realms 
of  day. 

Imagination  fondly  pictures  the  guardian  care 
of  those  we  have  lost,  as  especially  extended 
over  us;  and  as  it  verges  to  the  last  closing 
scene,  and  looks  forward  to  the  translation  of 
the  soul  to  a  heavenly  world,  it  faintly  portrays 
the  exquisite  delight  it  would  experience,  on 
being  welcomed  to  this  peaceful  habitation  by 
that  glorified  spirit,  now  the  hapless  occasion  of 
his  grief  and  of  his  tears  ;  but  ever  after  tlie  en- 
deared companion  and  participator  of  his  eternal 
felicity.  You  may  weep  for  your  loss  :  even  the 
Saviour  wept  for  Lazarus :  but  all  his  disciples, 
all  who  hope  to  be  with  him  hereafter,  must 


140  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

*'  weep  as  though  they  wept  not,"  must  be  pre- 
pared to  resign  every  blessing  they  enjoy,  when 
called  upon  to  take  up  their  cross  and  follow 
him.  For  *'  whosoever  loveth  father  or  mother, 
or  husband  or  wife,  more  than  me,  hath  no  part 
in  my  kingdom:"  while  we  are  assured  on  the 
other  hand,  that  "  these  light  afflictions  which 
are  but  for  a  moment,  work  out  for  us  a  far 
more  exceeding  and  eternal  weight  of  glory: 
and  that  in  due  time  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint 
not." 

With  these  glorious  prospects,  who  would 
not  pray  for  submission  to  the  will  of  God  ?  It 
is  an  arduous  but  imperative  duty,  and  trusting 
to  our  own  strength,  we  must  fail  in  the  per- 
formance. Hence  the  necessity  of  seeking  for 
divine  assistance  from  Him  who  has  declared, 
*'  I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless :  1  will  come 
to  you.  In  the  world  ye  shall  have  tribulation : 
but  be  of  good  cheer,  I  have  overcome  the 
world."*  So  long  as  we  attempt  to  exercise 
submission  to  the  will  of  God  of  ourselves,  so 
often  shall  we  find  that  the  human  heart  is 
enmity  against  him,  and  that  it  is  not  naturally 
subject  to  his  will.  While  we  remain  frail,  im- 
perfect, erring  creatures,  we  shall  stand  in  need 
of  extraordinary  consolation  and  support,  or  we 

*  Johnxiv.  18;  xvi,  33. 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  141 

shall  be  incapable  of  glorifying  God  by  our  ac- 
quiescence in  his  will,  and  our  humble,  cheerful 
reliance  on  his  goodness,  and  mercy,  and  love. 
Thus  our  almighty  and  compassionate  Father 
has  provided  for  our  necessities :  he  knows  our 
hearts  and  frailties  better  than  we  do  ourselves  : 
and  he  has  kindly  promised  the  assistance  of  his 
Spirit,  who  is  emphatically  styled  the  Comforter, 
even  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  who  "  shall  teach  you 
all  things,  and  bring  all  things  to  your  remem- 
brance." *'  Without  me  ye  can  do  nothing," 
says  the  Saviour ;  "  and  in  his  strength  you  will 
be  more  than  conquerors." 

Those  only  who  are  taught  by  the  Spirit  of 
grace,  can  feel  that  entire  acquiescence  in  the 
word  of  God,  from  which  so  much  comfort  is  to 
be  derived.  Though  the  Scriptures  may  con- 
ciliate our  regards  by  their  intrinsic  beauty,  and 
majesty,  and  grandeur,  yet  they  will  never  engage 
our  hearts  and  affections  but  through  the  agency 
of  the  Spirit.  And  unless  this  be  the  case,  the- 
efficiency  of  the  divine  word  as  a  source  of  con- 
solation, will  rest  on  a  very  precarious  basis. 
How  shall  we  obey  the  commandments  of  the 
Lord,  unless  we  seriously  and  believingly  receive 
them  ?  And  how  shall  we  receive  them,  if  we 
are  not  taught  of  God?  It  is  only  by  the  Spirit's 
influence  that  we  become  united  to  Christ,  and 
heirs  of  the  blessings  which  are  treasured  up  in 


142  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

him :  it  is  only  as  '<  the  Spirit  of  holiness"  dwells 
in  us,  that  we  can  be  estranged  from  the  world, 
become  dead  to.  sin  and  alive  to  righteousness, 
and  can  do  that  which  is  well  pleasing  in  his 
sight ;  or  that  we  can  live  by  faith,  and  walk  in 
newness  of  life.  It  is  his  office  to  take  of  the 
things  of  Christ  and  reveal  them  unto  us ;  and 
by  his  agency  alone  we  can  be  strengthened, 
and  enabled  to  yield  to  the  merciful  corrections 
of  our  almighty  Friend. 

Nor  was  this  Comforter  promised  only  to  the 
Apostles,  but  to  all  the  children  of  God.  Were 
it  not  for  his  effectual  presence  and  blessing, 
they  could  not  sustain  the  trials  with  which  they 
are,  and  have  been,  visited.  But  he  is  ever 
present  with  those  that  love  him,  he  will  be 
found  of  those  who  seek  him.  Through  his 
wisdom  we  shall  learn  obedience;  through  his 
strength  we  shall  be  encouraged  to  walk  on  in 
our  duty ;  and  by  his  influence  we  shall  be  puri- 
fied from  sin,  and  receive  the  riches  of  grace 
which  are  treasured  up  in  Christ  Jesus;  we 
shall  be  enabled  under  every  affliction  to  main- 
tain adequate  and  right  thoughts  of  God;  our 
spiritual  strength  will  be  preserved;  we  shall 
walk  correctly,  since  he  helpeth  our  infirmity; 
and  as  he  maketh  continual  intercession  for  us, 
we  shall  come  boldly  to  a  throne  of  grace,  and 
8£ek  jgrace  and  strength  for  every  time  of  need.* 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  143 

Happy  are  we,  if  we  have  in  some  degree 
realized  his  comforting,  supporting  presence; 
if  we,  through  his  influence,  have  embraced  a 
Saviour,  and  are  desirous  of  being  taught  of 
God ;  if,  forsaking  every  present  vain  and  feeble 
prop,  we  come  to  Jesus  with  child-like  disposi- 
tions, simply  desirous  of  submitting  our  whole 
souls  to  his  disposal.  Then  have  we  reason  to 
rejoice  in  the  darkest  hour:  even  during  the 
storm  we  shall  not  feel  its  terrors,  we  shall  be 
safe,  for  Jesus  is  our  hiding-place.  Guide  us, 
O  blessed  Spirit,  to  this  safe  abode,  and  pre- 
serve us  from  wandering  from  thy  way. 

Yet  so  feeble  is  the  mind,  so  prone  the  heart 
to  deviate  from  its  centre,  that  we  stand  in  need 
of  every  possible  support  in  the  performance  of 
this  most  important  duty.  Hence,  it  is  well 
frequently  to  review  those  considerations  which 
form  the  basis  of  acquiescence  in  the  divine  ap- 
pointment. And  when  the  turbulence  of  passion 
is  almost  enough  to  overwhelm  the  Christian, 
and  induce  him  to  distrust  the  faithfulness  of 
God,  let  the  circumstances  of  his  affliction  be 
reviewed,  let  him  regard  them  with  the  eye  of 
rehgion,  weigh  them  in  the  balance  of  Scripture, 
and  ask  himself,  whether  God  has  forgotten  to 
be  gracious — rather,  whether  he  has  not  remem- 
bered mercy  at  the  very  moment  his  arm  was 
extended  to  afflict.? 


144  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  KE8IGNATIOIN. 

Are  there  not  very  many  circumstances  of 
palliation  in  the  present  affliction,  to  excite  your 
gratitude  and  confidence?  Have  you  not  many 
mercies  to  be  thankful  for,  and  might  not  these 
likewise  have  been  smitten?  Might  not  God 
have  required  your  all,  instead  of  this  loveliest 
blessing?  And  is  it  not  infinitely  kind  of  him 
to  provide  you  such  everlasting  and  substantial 
consolation?  to  promise  to  be  with  you,  and  im- 
prove you  by  means  of  suflfering  ?  Besides,  has 
not  your  dear  relative  been  taken  from  the  evil 
to  come,  and  translated  from  a  thorny  wilderness 
to  the  joys  of  Paradise?  A  gracious  Saviour 
had  nurtured  and  prepared  him  for  everlasting 
glory ;  and  should  you  wish  for  his  return  to 
earth  and  sorrow  ?  This  would  be  a  sad  ex- 
change indeed,  vvhile  death  has  paved  the  way 
to  everlasting  happiness  and  peace. 

Perhaps  you  had  watched  all  the  expanding 
beauties  of  his  character,  had  seen  them  advance 
to  the  maturity  of  the  Christian,  and  had  pro- 
mised yourself  much  enjoyment  of  its  excellen- 
cies for  many  years.  God  chooses  M'iser  and 
better  for  you ;  he  has  ripened  the  blooming 
ear,  and  gathiered  the  fruit  into  his  garner.  He 
has  saved  it  from  the  chilly  air  of  sin,  from  the 
blasting  mildew  of  indifference,  and  from  the 
destructive  influence  of  error.  Jehovah  has  per- 
fected the  character,  and  your  friend  has  entered 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  145 

into  the  joy  of  his  Lord.  He  calls  upon  you  to 
follow  him,  to  prepare  for  a  heavenly  world,  to 
be  weaned  from  earth  and  attached  to  heaven, 
to  seek  that  haven  of  rest  where  he  has  now* 
securely  anchored. 

The  Lord  God  is  the  sovereign  Disposer  of 
all.  He  is  the  supreme  Governor  of  the  uni- 
verse, his  eye  is  upon  the  evil  and  the  good,  he 
is  every  where  present,  and  directs  every  event 
by  the  word  of  his  power.  In  the  government 
of  the  world,  he  displays  the  most  inflexible 
Justice.  "  Justice  and  judgment  are  the  habita- 
tion of  thy  throne.  Surely  his  salvation  is  nigh 
them  that  fear  him;  that  glory  may  dwell  in 
our  land.  Mercy  and  truth  have  met  together ; 
righteousness  and  peace  have  kissed  each  other. 
Truth  shall  spring  out  of  the  earth ;  and  righte- 
ousness shall  look  down  from  heaven.  Yea, 
the  Lord  shall  give  that  which  is  good ;  and  our 
land  shall  yield  her  increase.  Righteousness 
shall  go  before  him ;  and  shall  set  us  in  the  way 
of  his  steps."*  He  is  not  man  that  he  should 
err,  nor  the  son  of  man  that  he  should  repent ; 
but  a  Beiiig  of  infinite  purity  and  holiness,  pre- 
siding over  the  actions  and  thoughts  of  men, 
and  overruling  them  to  his  glory. 

No  caprice,  no  unjust  and  unworthy  motives, 

*  Psa.  iMxix.  14 ;  kxxv.  9—13, 

13 


146  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION* 

no  angry  passions  influence  his  conduct;  his 
decrees  are  the  offspring  of  hoHness,  justice^ 
and  truth  :  what  he  has  appointed  should  come 
to  pass,  none  can  hinder :  for,  even  the  winds 
and  the  waves  obey  him,  and  all  things,  animate 
and  inanimate,  are  controlled  by  his  will,  and 
become  subservient  to  the  execution  of  his  pur- 
poses. He  is  infinite  wisdom.  Nothing  can 
occur  without  his  knowledge.  Where  least  the 
hand  of  Omnipotence  can  be  traced,  still  there 
he  silently  governs  and  directs  the  most  trivial 
event.  Nothing  can  escape  his  piercing  eye: 
he  sees  the  past,  the  present,  and  the  future; 
and  what  he  arranges  for  the  good  of  his  chil- 
dren, is  the  offspring  of  boundless  intelligence. 
No  contingencies  happen  to  him  ;  no  unforeseen 
circumstances  influence  his  will ;  for  he  is  ac- 
quainted with  all  possibilities,  and  knows  at 
once  the  remotest  consequences. 

As  our  adorable  Lord  is  infinitely  wise,  so  is 
he  merciful  and  good.  He  beareth  long  with 
sinners;  he  suffereth  our  wanderings  from  him; 
he  showers  down  his  blessings  upon  ungrateful 
man  ;  he  surrounds  him  with  mercies,  and  would 
allure  him  to  the  enjoyment  of  everlasting  peace 
and  happiness  in  his  service  and  love.  Surely 
then  it  becomes  us  to  be  obedient  to  the  acts  of 
his  government,  whose  punishments  are  ever 
lighter  than  our  sins ;  who  is  able  to  preserve 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  147 

US  from  falling,  and  to  supply  every  want ;  wh® 
is  acquainted  with  the  most  secret  recesses  of 
our  bosom ;  whose  heart  is  filled  with  pity  and 
compassion,  and  overflows  with  loving-kindness 
to  his  children;  who  does  not  willingly  afflict 
them,  and  only  for  their  good ;  who  is  able  to 
support,  and  willing  to  afford  them  everlasting 
consolation. 

Nor  must  we  forget,  that,  as  a  Sovereign,  he 
has  a  distinct  claim  to  our  obedience,  and  a  per- 
fect right  to  do  with  us  as  seemeth  good  in  his 
sight.  He  is  our  Creator  and  Preserver;  in 
him  we  live,  by  him  we  breathe,  and  our  com- 
forts are  sustained.  We  are  his  children,  his 
subjects;  and,  as  such,  obedience  to  his  laws  is 
required  of  us.  For,  can  we  temporize  with 
him  who  sees  our  inmost  thoughts,  and  is  inti- 
mately acquainted  with  all  we  feel  ?  His  yoke 
is  "easy,"  and  his  burden  "light;"  for  he  sup- 
ports the  cumbrous  load:  and  though  he  will 
have  his  children  willing  to  sustain  the  trials  of 
his  disciphne,  yet  he  has  promised  strength 
equal  to  their  day;  he  has  engaged  to  be  with 
them ;  yea,  he  sympathizes  with  them,  and  kindly 
shares  the  weight  of  sorrows  under  which  they 
groan. 

This  idea  is  still  further  enhanced  by  the 
consideration  of  our  dependence  upon  him.  Our 
daily  blessings  are  received  from  his  hand ;  oiir 


148  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

especial  mercies  are  the  offspring  of  his  love  and 
of  his  care.  The  good  we  commonly  enjoy, 
and  almost  overlook  the  hand  which  dispenses, 
comes  equally  from  Him  to  whom  we  owe  our 
greatest  benefits.  Perhaps  we  undervalue  our 
blessings  of  light,  and  air,  and  health,  because 
we  enjoy  them  every  day ;  when,  in  fact,  for  the 
continuance  of  these,  we  are  equally  dependent 
upon  God.  Were  it  not  for  his  goodness  and 
ever-watchful  care,  were  it  not  for  his  constant 
preservation,  we  should  no  longer  be  cheered 
with  the  vicissitudes  of  the  seasons,  the  sun 
might  withhold  its  light,  and  the  air  we  breathe 
would  soon  become  contaminated,  had  he  not 
wisely  provided  for  its  renovation.  Ungrateful 
man  is  alone  insensible  to  his  Creator's  kindness, 
when  all  nature  wakes  out  of  sleep,  and  as  the 
day  dawns  from  on  high,  hails  the  rising  sun 
with  cheerful  aspirations  of  praise  to  Him  who 
governs  and  preserves  the  universe  in  its  present 
harmonious  perfection. 

Should  we  then  undervalue  our  comforts  be- 
cause they  are  daily  received  ?  Especial  blessings 
are  alone  required  on  particular  emergencies; 
it  is  every  day  we  need  a  renewed  supply  of 
daily  mercies.  It  is  the  goodness  of  God  which 
leads  him  to  declare  it  to  be  his  delight  to  dwell 
wirli  ti  e  children  of  r/ien.  It  is  solely  his  mercy 
and  love  which  induce  him  to  take  pity  on  us, 


ON  THE  DUTY   ©F  RESIGNATION.  149 

and  to  offer  us  his  friendship,  and  presence,  and 
blessing.  It  is  his  infinite  goodness  which  leads 
us  to  bear  with  our  wanderings,  and  affection- 
ately to  invite  us  to  repentance.  It  is  his  good- 
ness which  supplies  our  wants,  corrects  our 
errors,  and  defends  us  in  danger.  "  Of  ourselves^ 
we  are  insufficient  as  of  ourselves  to  think  any 
good  thing :  but  our  sufficiency  is  of  God ;  for 
of  him,  and  to  him,  and  through  him,  are  all 
things."* 

If  we  have  any  hope  of  eternal  happiness ;  if 
we  have  any  benevolent  dispositions  towards 
those  around  us ;  if,  when  we  have  backslidden 
from  God,  our  hearts  are  filled  with  sorrow  and 
contrition,  and  we  wish  to  return  unto  the  Shep- 
herd and  Bishop  of  our  souls ;  if  we  obtain  par- 
don of  our  iniquities,  and  reconciliation  to  Him 
whose  favour  is  life ;  and  if  we  are  enabled  to 
persevere  in  a  virtuous  course ;  still  all  this  is 
of  God,  who  worketh  in  us  both  to  will  and  to 
do ;  all  is  of  God,  who  hath  first  reconciled  us 
to  himself,  through  Jesus  Christ,  his  Son  and 
our  Saviour,  who  is  the  medium  through  which 
we  receive  the  communication  of  his  favours. 
And  still  further,  it  is  only  by  the  quickening 
influence  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  which  proceedeth 
from  the  Father  and  the  Son,  that  we  can  be 


2  Cor.  ill.  5. 

13* 


150        ^N  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION* 

made  capable  of  receiving  the  great  blessing'^ 
he  has  to  bestow.  So  entirely  dependent  are  we 
on  Almighty  God,  for  all  we  have,  and  are,  or 
hope  to  be  hereafter. 

Is  it  not  most  reasonable  that  we  should  cheer- 
fully submit  to  Him  who  is  thus  our  Sovereign 
Guide  here,  and  will  be  our  everlasting  Judge  ; 
that  we  should  yield  obedience  to  Him  by  whom 
we  think  and  feel,  and  in  whom  alone  we  live 
and  breathe :  that  we  should  delight  to  do  or  to 
suffer  the  will  of  Him  who  bestows  upon  his 
people  such  pecuhar  blessings,  and  who  makes 
affliction  the  means  of  their  sanctification  ?  Is 
it  not  most  wise  to  yield  submissively  to  Him, 
who,  while  he  deprives  us  of  one  blessing,  is 
able,  is  willing,  is  waiting  to  bestow  on  us  bless- 
ings far  superior,  even  "  the  ornament  of  a  meek 
and  quiet  spirit,"  and  to  fix  all  our  hopes  and 
affections  on  himself?  He  removes  temporal. 
In  order  to  confer  spiritual  blessings ;  he  takes 
away  your  friend,  in  order  to  bestow  upon  you 
himself,  and  teach  you  to  value  his  presence, 
his  truth,  his  love. 

But  God  is  likewise  a  faithful  Creator.  In 
contemplating  the  character  of  /Jehovah  as  the 
Creator,  this  title  must  not  be  confined  to  the 
mere  act  by  which  the  heavens  and  the  earth 
were  formed,  but  must  extend  likewise  to  the 
preservation  of  all  things.     He  superintends  the 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESI6NATI0N.  151 

work  of  his  hands :  by  his  watchful  providence 
he  sees  the  wants  of  his  creatures,  and  he  affords 
them  suitable  suppUes,  always  providing  icliat  is 
best  for  them,  "  These  wait  all  upon  thee  ;  that 
thou  mayest  give  them  their  meat  in  due  season. 
That  thou  givest  them,  they  gather :  thou  openest 
thy  hand,  they  are  filled  with  good.  Thou  hidest 
thy  face,  they  are  troubled :  thou  takest  away 
their  breath,  they  die,  and  return  to  their  dust. 
Thou  sendest  forth  thy  Spirit,  they  are  created; 
and  thou  renewest  the  face  of  the  earth."* 

It  is  a  source  of  pleasing  reflection  to  the 
Christian  sufferer,  that  nothing  happens  to  him 
by  chance.  Even  the  sparrows  are  the  objects 
of  the  Almighty's  care  ;  and  how  much  more 
man,  in  so  far  as  he  is  better  than  many  spar- 
rows !  Even  the  hairs  of  his  head  are  numbered, 
and  nothing  can  occur  to  him,  but  as  the  instru- 
ment of  divine  compassion  and  tender  regard. 
Not  the  meanest  insect  escapes  his  providential 
notice ;  and,  in  a  particular  manner,  he  watches 
over  his  people,  and  preserves  them  from  harm, 
or  directs  their  path  where  he  has  chosen  they 
should  walk. 

All  creatures  are  subject  to  his  will,  and  none 
can  injure  us,  but  in  the  accomplishment  of  his 
designs ;   and  if  we   are  sincerely  desirous  of 

*  Psa.  civ.  27—30, 


152  eN  THE  DUTY  OP  RESIGNATION* 

loving  and  serving  him,  we  know  that  love  is 
the  mainspring  of  his  conduct  towards  us.  He 
watches  over  his  children  with  assiduity,  and  he 
will  not  that  any  should  harm  them,  but  seeks 
to  recall  them  to  his  fold.  Could  we  keep  in 
view  the  design  of  infinite  benignity  in  afflicting 
us,  and  rest  assured  of  the  wisdom  of  his  ap- 
pointments; could  we  regard  the  tendency  of 
affliction  to  humble  us,  to  convince  us  of  sloth- 
fulness,  to  rouse  us  to  the  exercise  of  patience, 
to  subdue  the  irregularities  of  our  affections  and 
passions,  and  excite  us  to  practise  Christian 
self-denial ;  we  should  then  leave  ourselves  in  his 
hand.  Though  the  eye  be  dimmed  by  the  tear 
of  agony,  and  incapable  of  tracing  his  footsteps 
in  the  storms  which  desolate  our  fairest  prospects 
and  dearest  hopes ;  though  we  cannot  penetrate 
the  cloud  which  surrounds  us;  and  though  our 
little  sun  of  earthly  joy  seems  to  have  sunk 
below  the  horizon,  never  to  return  and  animate 
us  with  his  cheering  presence ;  yet  we  must  ever 
remember,  that  God  rides  upon  the  whirlwind 
and  manages  the  storm,  conducts  every  event  by 
the  pure  light  of  his  wisdom  and  truth,  arranges 
each  in  the  most  exact  order,  and  directs  it  to 
its  proper  end.  Soon  the  Sun  of  Righteousness 
shall  arise  with  healing  in  his  wings  ;  and  though 
you  have  lost  your  dearest  friend,  yet  his  happy 
spirit,  freed  from  the  shackles  of  mortality,  hajR 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  153 

winged  its  flight  to  realms  of  day,  and  is  now 
shining,  and  will  for  ever  shine,  in  the  mansions 
of  the  blest.  "  Lo  !  these  are  parts  of  his  ways, 
but  how  little  a  portion  is  heard  of  him !" 

The  Almighty  governs  his  people  in  love  and 
for  their  good ;  hence  they  owe  him  their  grateful 
aspirations  of  praise  for  his  gracious  support,  a 
calm  and  deliberate  dedication  of  themselves  to 
him  during  the  darkest  hours  of  adversity,  and 
a  firm  reliance  on  his  goodness  and  love  with 
respect  to  the  future.  In  the  gloomiest  seasons, 
the  Christian  will  still  lift  up  his  heart  to  hea- 
ven, and  pray  for  that  patience  and  submission 
which  are  the  gift  of  God.  "  Yea,  though  he 
walk  through  the  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death, 
he  will  fear  no  evil ;"  for  he  will  exclaim,  "  Thy 
rod  and  thy  staff  they  comfort  me." 

But  God  is  also  a  compassionate  Father.  In 
this  endearing  relationship  he  is  ever  nigh  unto 
his  people,  and  that  to  bless  them.  We  are  his 
children  by  creation,  and  we  partake  the  common 
blessings  of  his  bounty ;  but  we  are  his  children 
more  especially  by  virtue  of  his  grace  implanted 
in  our  hearts  by  the  Holy  Spirit.  When  we 
have  received  Christ  as  our  Saviour,  and  our 
only  hope  ;  when  we  have  renounced  our  attach- 
ment to  the  "  pomps  and  vanities"  of  this  w^orld ; 
when  we  have  learned  to  yield  obedience  to  him, 
and  to  strive  earnestly  to  live  to  his  glory;  then 


154  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

we  are,  indeed,  his  children,  and  God  is  our 
Father.  As  such,  he  provides  for  our  every 
want ;  he  watches  over  us  with  unremitting 
care ;  he  restrains  our  wanderings  from  him ; 
and  when  he  sees  it  necessary  to  correct  us,  he 
looks  down  upon  us  with  the  tenderest  sym- 
pathy. 

How  fondly  does  the  affectionate  parent  watch 
over  the  infant  years  of  her  helpless  offspring ! 
How  eagerly  does  she  listen  to  its  feeblest  cry, 
and  cheerfully  abandon  her  own  comforts  for  the 
sake  of  her  child!  How  large  a  space  in  her 
heart  is  occupied  by  her  darling  babe !  All  her 
life  is  characterized  by  the  pursuit  of  its  happi- 
ness. How  tenderly  does  she  watch  over  its 
expanding  mind !  How  carefully  does  she  pre- 
serve it  from  the  contagion  of  vice,  while  she 
nurtures  the  benevolent  affections,  and,  with  the 
earliest  dawn  of  reason's  morn,  instills  the  pure 
principles  of  Christianity!  With  what  fearful 
forebodings  does  she  anticipate  the  period  when 
this  sweet  flower  must  be  exposed  to  the  stormy 
world !  With  what  care  does  she  prepare  it  for 
the  trials,  the  difficulties,  and  dangers  of  life! 
With  what  diligence  does  she  repress  the  first 
angry  emotions,  the  first  symptoms  of  vice  I  Not 
contented  with  providing  for  her  offspring  food, 
and  raiment,  and  temporal  comforts,  and  know- 
ledge, the  Christian  parent  strives  tQ  rear  it  in 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  155 

the  nursery  of  Piety  for  the  Paradise  of  God ; 
and  while  she  would  acquaint  it  early  with  its 
fallen  state,  and  the  only  hope  of  recovery,  she 
would  earnestly  train  and  discipline  the  mind  to 
propriety  of  conduct  originating  from  correctness 
of  principle.  Though  her  heart  be  filled  with 
affection  and  tenderness,  yet  with  wisdom  and 
justice  she  corrects  the  wandering,  and  punishes 
the  disobedient  and  self-willed. 

But  our  Father  which  is  in  heaven  is  infi- 
nitely wise ;  he  is  love ;  his  compassions  fail  not, 
and  he  cannot  be  influenced  by  the  infirmities 
or  necessities  of  our  nature.  "  Surely  he  shall 
deliver  thee  from  the  snare  of  the  fowler,  and 
from  the  noisome  pestilence.  He  shall  cover 
thee  with  his  feathers,  and  under  his  wings 
shalt  thou  trust : .  his  truth  shall  be  thy  shield 
and  buckler.  Thou  shalt  not  be  afraid  for  the 
terror  by  night ;  nor  for  the  arrow  that  flieth  by 
day ;  nor  for  the  pestilence  that  walketh  in 
darkness;  nor  for  the  destruction  that  wasteth 
at  noon-day.  A  thousand  shall  fall  at  thy  side, 
and  ten  thousand  at  thy  right  hand^  but  it  shall 
not  come  nigh  thee.  Only  with  thine  eyes  shalt 
thou  behold  and  see  the  reward  of  the  wicked. 
Because  thou  hast  made  the  Lord  which  is  my 
refuge,  even  the  Most  High,  thy  habitation ; 
there  shall  no  evil  befall  thee,  neither  shall  any 
plague  come  nigh  thy  dwelling.     For  he  shall 


156  ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION. 

give  his  angels  charge  over  thee,  to  keep  thee 
in  all  thy  ways.  On  this  wise  ye  shall  bless  the 
children  of  Israel,  saying  unto  them,  The  Lord 
bless  thee,  and  keep  thee :  the  Lord  make  his 
face  shine  upon  thee,  and  be  gracious  unto  thee : 
the  Lord  lift  up  his  countenance  upon  thee,  and 
give  thee  peace.  And  they  shall  put  my  name 
upon  the  children  of  Israel;  and  I  will  bless 
them."*  He  declares  that  an  earthly  parent 
may  forget  her  offspring,  yet  he  car  not  cease  to 
have  compassion  on  his  children.  His  bowels 
yearn  over  their  sorrows:  in  all  their  affliction, 
he  is  afflicted ;  and  the  angel  of  his  presence  is 
nigh  to  comfort  them. 

What  inference,  then,  must  we  draw  from 
this  display  of  the  tenderness  of  Jehovah's  cha- 
racter? Must  we  not  allow,  that  as  our  Father, 
when  he  requires  that  the  heart  and  affections 
should  be  placed  on  himself,  he  has  an  absolute 
right  to  them?  He  knows  what  is  best  for  us:^ 
hence  the  necessity  of  yielding  obedience  to  him, 
and  the  sinfulness  of  withholding  any  thing  from 
him. 

He  is  an  all-sufficient  friend.  Who  has  not 
felt  the  value  of  friendship  in  the  hour  of  sor- 
row? Who  has  not  proved  the  truth  of  the  sen- 
timent, that  "it  is  the  winter  of  sorrow  best 
proves"  the  worth  of  a  friend?     The  kind  hand 

*  Psa.  xci.  3—11.    Nnmb.  vi.  24--27. 


^N  THE  DUTY  OP  I^KSIGNATION.  l^^' 

of  affection;  the  sympathetic  tear;  the  warm 
heart  which  beats  in  unison  with  another's  wo; 
the  bosom  expanded  to  receive  the  expression 
of  heartfelt  anguish,  and  animated  with  kindred 
emotion;  the  mild  and  persuasive  eloquence 
which  would  alleviate  when  it  cannot  remedy, 
and  which  would  sooth  and  calm  when  it  cannot 
alleviate;  and  the  anxious  desire  to  participate 
every  painful  feeling,  and  to  share  each  rising 
thought;  possess  claims  which  none  can  esti- 
mate  but   those   who   have   experienced   their 

power. 

But   friendship   is   bounded  by  the   narrow 
sphere  of  sympathy:  it  aims  to  relieve,  where 
it  can  only  share  the  anguish  of  the  troubled 
bosom:  it  would  set  the  heart  at  rest,  but  it  can 
only  palliate  its  oppression :  it  would  give  peace, 
and  restore  the  lost  blessing,  when  it  can  only 
bear  a    part   of  the  weight  of  suffering.     But 
Jehovah  is  able  as  well  as  willing.     His  bound- 
less sympathy  far  exceeds  the  highest   concep- 
tions of  human  love ;  and  when  he  would  share 
our  griefs  and  carry  our  burdens,  he  can  give 
peace  to  the  mind — peace  which  passeth  all  un- 
derstanding.    He  can  participate  our  sorrows ; 
and  though  he  inflicts  the  wound,  he  will  faith- 
fully provide  the  balm :  when  he  giveth  quiet- 
ness, who  then  shall  create  sorrow? 

His  faithfulness  is  engaged  to  support,  com- 
14 


158  ON  THE  £)UTY  OF  RESIGNATIOX* 

fort,  and  assist  us ;  and  finally  give  us  a  happy 
issue  out  of  every  trial.  He  is  a  very  present 
help  in  trouble.  We  cannot  always  enjoy  the 
soothing  accents  of  the  voice  of  friendship ;  but 
our  Almighty  Friend  is  alv^^ays  with  us:  during 
the  sleepless  night  and  restless  day,  his  presence 
is  our  stay.  When  dxjprived  of  earthly  com- 
forts, and  the  mind  rests  with  gloomy  delight 
on  the  exquisitely  painful  and  dreary  solitude 
with  which  it  is  encompassed,  then  God  is  nigh; 
he  kindly  proffers  his  support :  he  can  make  the 
wilderness  to  blossom  as  the  rose,  and  the  heart 
of  the  widow  to  sing  for  joy. 

A  thousand  circumstances  may  interrupt  the 
communion  of  friendship  upon  earth  :  but  God 
is  not  like  to  corruptible  man ;  he  is  omnipotent 
and  unchangeable.  He  knows  not  the  shadow 
of  turning :  he  is  a  friend  that  loveth  at  all 
times.  Do  we  need  to  pour  out  the  anguish  of 
our  souls  into  the  bosom  of  friendship,  he  invites 
us  to  himself,  and  promises  rest  to  the  weary 
and  the  heavy  laden.  Do  we  require  sympathy^ 
he  feels  for  us :  he  knows  what  sore  tempta- 
tions mean ;  he  is  acquainted  with  the  feeble- 
ness of  our  nature,  and  affords  support ;  he  is 
ever  present,  hears  our  complaints,  and  has 
engaged  to  send  us  answers  of  peace.  Do  we 
need  consolation,  he  is  able  and  willing  to  save ; 
he  can  bind  up  the  broken-hearted,  can  heal 


ON'  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  159 

the  troubled  bosom,  and  restore  peace  to  the 
anxious  breast.  Do  we  require  instruction  and 
direction  along  the  stormy  way,  he  has  promised 
to  guide  and  protect  us ;  and  offers  his  word 
as  a  lamp  unto  our  feet  and  a  light  iiKto  our 
path.  He  has  said,  "  Let  not  your  heart  be 
troubled  :  ye  believe  in  God,  beheve  also  in  me. 
I  will  not  leave  you  comfortless :  I  will  come  to 
you.  Peace  I  leave  with  you,  my  peace  I  give 
unto  you:  not  as  the  world  giveth,  give  I  unto 
you.  Let  not  your  heart  be  troubled,  neither 
let  it  be  afraid."* 

He  is  a  gracious  monitor.  To  give  advice, 
and  administer  reproof,  is  one  of  the  most  diffi- 
cult and  last  performed  offices  of  human  friend- 
ship. But  with  God,  this  is  no  difficult  task. 
He  afflicts  in  order  that  the  mind  may  be 
softened  to  receive  reproof  and  instruction; 
he  prepares  the  heart  to  listen  to  his  admoni- 
tions, and  thus  gaining  entire  access  to  the  soul, 
he  is  enabled,  by  the  still  small  voice  of  the  Spirit 
of  his  grace,  to  say,  "This  is  the  way,  walk  ye 
in  it."  He  suggests  the  existence  of  the  very 
evil  his  discipline  is  intended  to  remove,  or 
points  to  the  necessity  of  exercising  the  graces 
he  has  designed  to  strengthen.  He  awakens 
the  supineness  and  indolence  of  the  lethargic 

*  John  xiv.  1,  18.  27. 


160  ON  THE  DUTY  OP  RESIGNATION. 

bosom,  and  rouses  to  activity  and  exertion  in 
the  cause  of  God ;  and  thus  prepares  the  heart 
for  a  purer,  a  more  fervent,  and  a  steadier  aim 
to  the  promotion  of  his  glory,  and  the  advance- 
ment and  extension  of  his  power.  He  enhghtens 
the  understanding,  renews  the  Will,  and  enables 
us  to  discern,  as  well  as  choose,  the  things  which 
pertain  to  our  everlasting  peace.  He  warns  us 
of  danger,  cautions  against  the  indulgence  of 
evil,  and  admonishes  of  the  benefits  to  be  derived 
from  suffering. 

Surely,  then,  we  can  but  infer  the  peace  and 
safety  of  yielding  submission  to  a  Friend  so 
wise,  who  condescends  to  arrange  our  affairs  for 
us.  Omniscient  goodness  knoweth  all  things. 
He  wisely  ordains  what  is  best  for  us ;  and  well 
knowing  that  we  are  incapable  of  choosing  for 
ourselves,  he  condescends  to  superintend  and 
appoint  the  events  v/hich  shall  befall  us.  Inti- 
mately acquainted  with  these  circumstances, 
surely  it  is  more  than  folly,  if  we  do  not  meekly, 
quietly,  and  obediently  acquiesce  in  his  appoint- 
ments. Since  we  remain  in  his  hands,  we  are 
safe  from  every  hurtful  snare ;  and  we  are 
assured  that  all  things  shall  work  together  for 
our  good;  for  he  has  promised  us  protection, 
and  has  engaged  to  convert  the  bitter  cup  of 
sorrow  into  the  healing  balm  of  contrition.  He 
will  give  rest  unto  his  people.     How  urgent  a 


ON  THE  DUTY  OF  RESIGNATION.  161 

motive  to  be  still  in  the  hour  of  darkness,  and 
to  wait  for  the  peace  and  the  deliverance  which 
he  has  promised  in  his  own  time ;  assured  of 
our  inviolable  security,  if  we  put  our  trust  in 
Him  who  is  our  refuge  and  strength :  "  a  strength 
to  the  needy  in  his  distress,  a  refuge  from  the 
storm,  a  shadow  from  the  heat,  when  the  blast 
of  the  terrible  ones  is  as  a  storm  against  the 
wall.  He  will  swallow  up  death  in  victory; 
and  the  Lord  God  will  wipe  away  tears  from 
off  all  faces."^  And  "it  shall  be  said  in  that 
day,  Lo,  this  is  our  God;  we  have  waited  for 
him,  and  he  will  save  us :  this  is  the  Lord  ;  we 
have  waited  for  him,  we  will  be  glad  and  re-> 
joice  in  his  salvation."* 

-^  Isa.  XXV.  4,  8,  9. 


14 


162 


CHAPTER  Vir: 

ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

We  have  already  traced  the  duties  of  the 
mourner,  and  shall  now  take  a  view  of  the  con- 
solations provided  for  him,  in  submitting  to  the 
will  of  God.  These  consolations  are  promised 
to  those  who  love  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  in  sin- 
cerity and  truth,  who  are  desirous  of  imitating 
his  example,  and  hving  to  his  glory. 

"  There  is  no  peace,  saith  my  God,  to  the 
wicked;"  neither  can  the  troubled  bosom, 
agitated  by  a  thousand  turbulent  passions  and 
solicitudes,  lay  claim  to  a  participation  of  those 
consolations  which  are  provided  only  for  such  as 
live  by  faith  upon  the  Son  of  God.  Yet  even 
those  w^lio  are  estranged  from  God,  though  they 
cannot  appropriate  these  comforts  to  themselves, 
^re  not  left  vs^ithout  solace  under  the  loss  of 
their  relatives.  They  claim  our  pity,  for  they 
suffer  acutely  :  they  feel  as  much  as  others,  and 
they  have  not  the  same  support  under  their 
trials.  They  know  the  bitterness  of  sorrow, 
without  the  pleasure  of  obedience ;  they  suffer 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       163 

affliction,  without  the  heart-cheering  prospect  of 
eternal  rest,  when  "  death  shall  be  swallowed 
up  in  victory." 

If  these  pages  should  fall  into  the  hands  of 
such  an  one — if  you  are  indeed  mourning  the 
loss  of  your  earthly  comforts,  and  not  a  ray  of 
hope,  reflected  from  eternity,  cheers  your  soli- 
tude, and  animates  you  with  delightful  anticipa- 
tions of  futurity ;  if  you  have  lost  your  dearest 
treasure,  that  in  which  your  soul  delighted,  and 
your  prospects  are  now  clouded  by  the  gloom  of 
death ;  if  you  are  suffering  under  the  mighty 
hand  of  God,  and  yet  perceive  not  the  hand  that 
gives  you  the  bread  and  water  of  affliction,  nor 
whence  cometh  your  help ;  if  you  are  experi- 
encing his  wrath,  and  are  not  induced  to  inquire 
wherefore  he  contends  with  you,  and  to  search 
and  try  your  hearts,  repent  of  your  iniquities, 
and  turn  unto  the  Lord  your  God ;  if  you  are 
angry  with  him  under  your  trials,  refusing  to 
yield  submission  to  his  will,  and  caUing  in  ques- 
tion the  equity  of  his  government,  or  the  purity, 
wisdom,  and  goodness  of  his  dispensations ;  if 
you  harden  that  heart  which  he  would  mould 
into  conformity  to  his  will,  and  impiously  mur- 
mur against  heaven,  or  carelessly  neglect  its 
admonitions,  it  is  to  you  I  would  address  the 
following  considerations ;  and  while  they  tend  to 
mitigate  your  grief,  may  they  induce  you  to  be 


164   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

seriously  concerned  about  your  own  state :  for, 
if  you  have  no  glimmering  of  peace,  except  a 
vague  and  ill-defined  idea  of  a  future  state  of 
ease,  it  is  time  that  you  begin  to  seek  that  rest 
which  "remaineth  for  the  people  of  God." 

How  are  you  prepared  to  enter  on  an  eternal 
scene  of  existence,  if  you  cannot  bear  the  will 
of  God  ?  How  shall  you  enjoy  the  happiness  of 
heaven,  where  it  will  be  your  sole  employ  to  love 
and  serve  him,  or  be  conformed  to  the  image  of 
the  Saviour,  when  you  refuse  obedience  to  your 
heavenly  Father,  and  when  your  heart  is  fixed 
and  riveted  to  earth?  It  is  in  this  world  that 
the  state  of  man  is  irrecoverably  fixed  ;  he  will 
receive  hereafter  according  to  the  deeds  done  in 
the  body;  and  while  you  are  living  estranged 
from  God,  and  secretly  hating  his  laws  and  his 
government,  how  shall  you  follow  your  dear 
relation,  now  gone  to  glory  ?  Thus  unprepared 
for  death,  and  for  your  coming  change,  adore 
the  long-suffering  goodness  and  sparing  mercy 
of  Jehovah,  that  you  are  not  called  away  from 
this  world,  that  life  is  still  afforded  you,  that 
you  are  still  invited  to  seek  God,  and  to  attend 
to  those  things  which  belong  to  your  everlastings 
peace. 

Disease  might  have  been  commissioned  to  cut 
short  your  slender  thread  of  life,  instead  of 
your  dearest  friends :  at  this  moment  you  might 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   16u 

liave  been  a  nothing;  and  the  future  destiny  of 
your  soul,  born  for  immortality,  might  have  been 
fixed.  Where,  then,  would  the  disembodied 
spirit  have  found  rest  ?  In  heaven  ?  Alas  !  no  ; 
for  here  there  is  nothing  congenial  with  it.  The 
atmosphere  of  heaven  is  love;  the  Lamb  of  God 
is  the  light  thereof;  and  all  its  joys  and  all 
its  engagements  centre  in  loving,  adoring,  and 
praising  Him  that  was  slain  for  sinners.  In 
these  acclamations  you  could  not  have  united 
with  the  spirits  of  the  just;  and  here,  therefore, 
is  no  happiness  for  you.  Yet  this  is  the  rest 
prepared  for  the  people  of  God ;  and  if  you  cannot 
enter  into  it,  you  must  be  for  ever  excluded  from 
the  blessedness  of  the  righteous.  Your  spirit  i;s 
not  fitted  for  communion  with  the  pure  intelli- 
gences of  a  heavenly  world :  and  since  there  is 
no  alternative  but  happiness  and  misery,  if  you 
lose  the  one,  you  will  necessarily  enter  into  the 
sorrows  of  those  who  are  excluded  from  it. 

As  you  have  been  living  without  God  in  the 
world,  and  refusing  to  listen  to  his  admonitions, 
so  have  you  increased  his  displeasure ;  and  justly 
might  he  call  you  away  from  life,  and  consign 
you  to  that  cheerless  abode,  where  Hope  never 
enters.  But  though  God  reminds  you  of  the 
uncertainty  of  life ;  though  he  shows  you  the 
necessity  of  an  habitual  preparation  for  death, 
and  seeks  to  soften  and  gain  admission  to  your 


166   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

heart;  though  he  warns  you  to  fly  from  the 
wrath  to  come ;  invites  you  to  follow  him  who 
has  entered  into  the  joy  of  his  Lord ;  offers  the 
blessings  of  salvation  through  a  crucified  Re- 
deemer, and  you  refuse  to  listen — yet  he  spares 
your  life,  and  again  entreats  you  to  come  to  him, 
that  you  might  have  life.  Rejoice,  then,  that 
your  days  are  prolonged;  and  seek  to  follow 
those  who,  through  faith  and  patience,  inherit 
the  promises.  If  you  will  but  listen  to  the  still 
small  voice  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  the  affliction 
under  which  you  now  suffer,  may  prove  the 
means  of  your  everlasting  blessedness ;  it  may 
lead  you  to  God  for  pardon,  for  grace  and 
strength,  and  every  good  and  perfect  gift. 

You  have  been  living  in  forgetfulness  of  God, 
and  ignorant  of  the  beneficent  hand  which  has 
daily  been  doing  you  good.  You  have  refused 
attention  to  the  invitations  of  the  Gospel,  and 
obedience  to  the  commands  of  a  Saviour,  de- 
pending upon  your  own  righteousness,  and  re- 
fusing the  righteousness  of  Christ.  Affliction, 
by  bringing  you  to  reflection,  awakening  your 
fears,  and  exciting  your  attention  to  eternity, 
may  become  the  instrument  of  showing  yau  your 
distance  from  heaven,  and  the  entire  helplessness 
of  your  situation ;  it  may  bring  you  to  inquire 
into  the  way  of  salvation  ;  to  know  the  nature  of 
the  blessings  prepared  for  those  who  love  God; 


ON  THE  SOURCES  @F  CONSOLATION,   167 

and  thus  you  may  be  led  to  lay  hold  of  the  hope 
set  before  you  in  the  Gospel.  If  this  should  prove 
to  be  the  case,  you  will  greatly  rejoice  that  you 
have  been  afflicted,  though  now  for  a  season 
you  may  be  in  heaviness. 

You  are  environed  by  all  the  gloomy  solemni- 
ties of  death.  The  voice  which  so  lately  cheered 
you,  is  now  hushed  in  eternal  silence ;  the  ex- 
pressive countenance,  though  the  last  smile  of 
affection  may  still  linger  on  the  features,  and 
almost  seem  to  animate  the  cold  and  pallid 
cheek  with  its  wonted  hue  of  pleasure,  is  now 
no  lonsfer  the  index  of  the  thousand  deliohtful 
emotions  w^hich  once  constituted  the  friend;  the 
beaming  eye,  so  lately  sparkling  with  the  match- 
less eloquence  of  mild  intelligence,  is  now  sunk 
into  its  orbit ;  the  late  active  bosom,  no  longer 
responsive  to  its  kindred  heart,  lies  motionless, 
incapable  of  sympathy,  alike  insensible  to  pre- 
sent joy  or  suffering.  And  can  you  look  on  that 
beloved  corpse;  can  you  reflect  on  the  endeared 
scenes  of  affection,  which  memory  too  faithfully 
depicts ;  can  you  follow  the  departed  spirit  t© 
the  regions  of  the  blest,  and  not  be  incited  to 
inquire,  what  is  death,  and  how  was  this  painful 
separation  introduced  into  the  world  ? 

To  this  inquiry,  an  answer  must  be  given  in 
the  words  of  inspiration:  "  That  by  the  disobe- 
<lience  of  one  man,  Adam,  sin  came  into  the 


168      ON  THE  SC>URCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

world,  and  death  by  sin.!'*  What,  then,  is  this: 
great  evil,  which  has  entailed  a  curse  upon  the 
children  of  men,  and  from  which  you  yourself 
are  not  exempt  ?  for,  by  the  same  infallible 
Guide  you  are  informed,  that  *'  to  love  the  Lord 
your  God  with  all  your  heart,  and  with  all  your 
soul,  and  with  all  your  mind,  is  the  first  and 
great  commandment."t  Yet  your  conscience 
informs  you,  you  do  not  so  love  God;  and  if  you 
do  not,  you  have  broken  his  law,  and  thus  obtain 
an  affecting  proof  of  the  overwhelming  influence 
of  sin  over  the  heart.  What,  then,  is  the  cause 
of  this  aversion  from  God,  and  from  his  com- 
mandments ?  It  is  the  reigning  influence  of  a 
corrupt,  depraved  nature,  inherited  from  the  first 
transgressor  Adam.  The  Scriptures  of  everlast- 
ing truth  inform  us,  that  the  heart  of  man  is 
"  deceitful  above  all  things,  and  desperately 
wicked;"  that  we  cannot  think  a  good  thought, 
nor  do  a  good  action ;  that  if  we  say  we  have  no 
sin,  we  deceive  ourselves,  we  make  God  a  liar> 
and  the  truth  is  not  in  us ;  that  we  are  prone  to 
evil,  and  that  continually ;  and  that  there  is  none 
righteous,  there  is  none  that  understandeth, 
none  that  seeketh  after  God. 

Man  was  created  in  the  image  of  God,  and 
formed  in  purity  and  innocence ;  but  he  broke 

-  Rom.  V.  12:  f  Matt.  xxji.  37,  ^ 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  CONSeLATION.       169 

the  law  of  God,  "  whereby"  (in  the  expressive 
language  of  the  established  church)  '*  it  came 
to  pass,  that  as  before  he  was  blessed,  so  now 
he  was  accursed ;    as  before  he  was  loved,  so 
now  he  was  abhorred;  as  before  he  was  most 
beautiful  and   precious,    so  now  he  was  most 
vile  and  wretched  in  the  sight  of  his  Lord  and 
Maker;  instead  of  the  image  of  God,  he  was 
become  the  image  of  the  devil ;  instead  of  the 
citizen  of  heaven,  he  was  become  the  bond-slave 
of  hell,   having  in  himself  no  one  part  of  his 
original  purity  and  cleanness,  but  being  alto- 
gether spotted  and  defiled ;  insomuch  that  he 
now  seemed  to  be  nothing  else  but  a  lump  of 
sin,  and  therefore,  by  the  just  judgment  of  God, 
was  condemned  to  everlasting  death."     And  as 
in  "  Adam  all  died,"  this  curse  fell  not  only 
on  himself,  but  on  his  posterity  and  children 
for  ever. 

This  is  your  condition,  lost,  ruined,  and  un- 
done ;  but  your  Bible  informs  you,  that  God  is 
merciful  and  gracious,  long-suffering,  and  abun- 
dant in  goodness  and  truth  ;  that  he  willeth  not 
the  death  of  a  sinner,  but  rather  that  he  should 
turn  unto  him  and  hve ;  it  invites  you  to  repent- 
ance, and  liolds  out  the  hope  of  eternal  salvation 
to  those  who  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ 
as  the  only  way  of  acceptance  and  justification. 
**  The  oflfering  of  Christ  once  made,  is  that  per- 
15 


170       ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATlOxN. 

feet  redemption,  propitiation,  and  satisfaction 
for  all  the  sins  of  the  whole  world,  both  original 
and  actual ;  and  there  is  none  other  satisfaction 
for  sin  but  that  alone.  It  is  a  faithful  saying, 
and  worthy  of  all  acceptation,  that  Christ  Jesus 
came  into  the  world  to  save  sinners." 

Because  all  men  have  broken  the  law  of  God, 
and  incurred  his  righteous  displeasure,  it  is  im- 
possible that  any  can  be  saved  by  his  own  works. 
All  our  most  holy  acts  are  polluted  in  the  sight  of 
God,  and  can  only  be  accepted  by  him  through 
the  mediation  and  intercession  of  a  Saviour. 
Yet  "when  all  hope  of  righteousness  was  past 
on  our  parts ;  when  we  had  nothing  in  ourselves 
whereby  we  might  quench  his  burning  wrath, 
and  work  the  salvation  of  our  souls ;  then,  even 
then,  did  Christ  the  Son  of  God  come  down 
from  heaven,  to  be  wounded  for  our  sakes — to 
be  reputed  with  the  wicked — to  be  condemned 
to  death — to  take  upon  him  the  reward  of  our 
sins — and  to  give  his  body  to  be  broken  on  the 
cross  for  our  offences  ;  that  we,  by  virtue  of  his 
blood  shed  upon  the  cross,  and  of  his  finished 
righteousness,  imputed  to  us  through  faith  in  his 
atoning  sacrifice,  might  be  clean  purged  from 
our  sins,  and  made  righteous  again  in  his  sight. 
But  the  devils  also  believe  and  tremble;  yet  this 
is  not  that  faith  which  worketh  by  love.  And 
this  true  Christian  faith  hath  no  man,  who,  in 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  CONSOLATIOx\.       171 

the  outward  profession  of  his  mouth,  and  in  his 
outward  receiving  of  the  sacraments — in  coming 
to  the  church,  and  in  all  other  outward  appear- 
ances, seemeth  to  be  a  Christian  man,  and  yet 
in  his  hvino^  and  deeds  showino:  the  contrary." 

Thus  you  do  see  that  the  only  mean  and  in- 
strument of  salvation  required  on  our  parts,  is 
*'  faith ;  that  is  to  say,  a  sure  trust  and  confidence 
in  the  mercies  of  God.  Yet  faith  without  works 
is  dead  :  it  is  not  faith,  as  a  dead  man  is  not  a 
man.  This  dead  faith,  therefore,  is  not  that 
sure  and  substantial  faith  which  saveth  sinners. 
But  that  faith  which  worketh  by  love,  is  a  quick 
and  living  faith.  And  this  faith  is  not  without 
hope  and  trust  in  God ;  nor  without  the  love  of 
God,  and  of  our  neighbours;  nor  without  4;he 
fear  of  God;  nor  without  the  desire  to  hear 
God's  word,  and  to  follow  the  same  in  eschewing 
evil,  and  doing  gladly  all  good  works."* 

From  this  brief  summary  of  Christian  doc- 
trine you  will  learn  your  own  miserable  con- 
dition, the  necessity  of  repentance,  humbhng 
yourself  before  God,  and  crying  to  Him  for 
mercy  who  alone  can  give  you  peace,  rest,  and 
quietness  of  conscience.  These  blessings  he  has 
promised  to  those  who  dihgently  seek  him ;  not 
for  their  own  merits,  but  of  his  great  loving- 

*  Vide  the  Homilies  passim. 


172   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

kindness  and  tender  mercies,  for  the  sake  of 
Christ  Jesus,  who  was  crucified,  dead,  and 
buried,  that  he  might  be  made  ahve,  fitted  for 
an  inheritance  with  the  saints  in  hght,  and  made 
heirs  of  God,  and  joint  heirs  with  Christ.  Un- 
speakably happy  will  you  be,  if  you  are  brought 
seriously  to  reflect  upon  and  embrace  these 
great  truths,  by  the  influence  of  afllliction;  and 
earnestly  to  fly  to  Jesus  for  grace  and  strength, 
the  forgiveness  of  sins,  and  conformity  to  his 
glorious  image.  No  longer  continue  careless  or 
indifferent;  but  implore  the  divine  assistance, 
to  lead  and  guide  you  into  the  way  of  all  truth, 
and  then,  when  the  present  cloud  shall  have 
passed  away,  you  will  have  reason  to  rejoice  in 
the  Lord,  and  in  the  power  of  his  might. 

But  I  now  turn  to  the  Christian  mourner, 
and  offer  to  him  the  rich  consolations  provided 
in  the  Gospel.  Your  loss  is  indeed  great ; 
nature  feels  the  dissolution  of  its  tenderest  at- 
tachments ;  let  us  then  examine  whence  cometh 
your  help :  and  may  the  God  of  peace  fill  your 
heart  with  peace  and  joy,  a  peace  which  passeth 
understanding,  a  joy  which  arises  from  the  anti- 
cipation of  the  glory  that  shall  be  revealed  in 
you,  when  these  light  afflictions  shall  have  ac- 
complished their  design,  even  the  sanctification 
of  your  souls. 

It   is   the   Lord's   hand   that   is   upon  you : 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       173 

troubles  do  not  spring  from  the  dust ;  they  are 
not  brought  about  by  fortuitous  events,  but  are 
commissioned  by  Infinite  Wisdom  to  accomplish 
its  designs.  He  knows,  and  sees,  and  orders 
what  is  best  for  you;  and  you  may  be  assured 
that  he  doth  all  things  well. 

While  we  confine  our  views  to  the  circum- 
scribed sphere  of  our  present  vision,  our  minds 
are  agitated  and  disturbed  by  a  thousand  vain 
regrets  and  foolish  wishes.  But  when  we  con- 
template every  event  of  our  lives  as  sent  by 
God,  and  so  nicely  arranged  and  adjusted,  that 
nothing  can  happen  but  through  his  permission, 
and  even  under  his  especial  guidance  and  govern- 
ment, we  are  induced  to  exclaim,  "  It  is  the 
Lord.  Shall  we  receive  good  at  the  hand  of 
the  Lord,  and  shall  we  not  receive  evil  ?  The 
Lord  gave,  and  the^  Lord  hath  taken  away; 
blessed  be  the  name  of  the  Lord.  I  was  dumb 
with  silence ;  I  opened  not  my  mouth,  because 
thou  didst  it.  The  Lord  killeth,  and  maketh 
aUve;  he  bringeth  down  to  the  grave,  and 
bringeth  up.  The  Lord  maketh  poor,  and 
maketh  rich:  he  bringeth  low,  and  lifteth  up. 
We  will  be  still,  and  know  that  he  is  God  ;  for 
the  Lord  of  Hosts  is  with  us,  the  God  of  Jacob 
is  our  refuge." 

When  we  look  to  him  as  the  Author  of  our 
sorrows,  our  minds  become  tranquil,  our  doubts 
15* 


174      ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

are  removed,  every  gloomy  presage  is  banished, 
the  dark  cloud  is  chased  away,  and  the  light  of 
the  Sun  of  Righteousness  beams  upon  our  soli- 
tary and  benighted  way,  and  shows  that  the  path 
to  happiness  and  heaven  leads  thither  through 
much  tribulation.  We  are  no  longer  disturbed 
by  the  solicitude  of  anxious  inquiry  as  to  the 
causes  by  which  such  and  such  events  have  been 
brought  about ;  for  God  condescends  to  appoint 
them,  and  from  him  should  we  receive  them; 
assured,  that  if  we  are  his  people,  we  are  im- 
moveably  secure  amidst  every  changing  scene. 

God  is  the  fountain  of  true  comfort.  But  he 
can  be  so  to  us  only  in  proportion  as  we  can  call 
him  our  God.  Do  we  then  feel  satisfied  that  we 
are  his  children,  that  we  love  him  because  he 
first  loved  us ;  and  that  we  are  desirous  of  serving 
him,  and  living  with  a  single  eye  to  his  glory? 
We  can  be  happy  under  the  severest  trials ;  for 
we  know  that  we  are  the  objects  of  his  especial 
favour  and  regard,  and  that  nothing  can  hurt 
us,  since  the  faithfulness  of  Jehovah  is  engaged 
to  guide  us  through  life,  support  us  even  in  the 
dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  and  finally 
land  us  in  the  haven  of  immortal  peace. 

All  things  shall  work  together  for  good  to 
those  who  fear  Him.  But  the  question  naturally 
occurs,  Are  we  his  people?  and  what  right 
have  we  to  appropriate  these  promises  to  our- 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       175 

selves  ?  Surely  we  cannot  be  the  objects  of  his 
divine  compassion  and  love,  when  we  are  suffer- 
ing his  displeasure,  when  he  is  evincing  against 
us  the  fierceness  of  his  wrath?  Yet  beware  of 
writing  bitter  things  against  yourselves,  and 
tarnishing  the  lustre  of  Jehovah's  immaculate 
purity  and  boundless  compassion !  Have  you, 
with  a  deep  conviction  of  your  sinfulness  and 
unworthiness,  come  to  God,  and  sincerely  en- 
treated his  forgiveness  through  the  blood  of  Jesus  ? 
Have  you  embraced  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ  as  the 
only  way  of  salvation,  and  as  your  only  refuge  ? 
Have  you  fled  to  him,  desirous  of  being  washed 
in  his  blood,  and  made  clean  from  your  iniquities? 
Do  you  hate  and  avoid  the  practice  and  indul- 
gence of  sin  ?  and  do  you  earnestly  implore  the 
assistance  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  enable  you  to 
walk  in  his  ways?  Do  you,  from  motives  of  love 
to  him,  seek  after  conformity  to  the  image  of 
your  Saviour,  and  desire  to  advance  his  king- 
dom, and  love  his  people  on  earth?  Do  you 
earnestly  desire  to  devote  your  time  and  talents, 
your  all,  to  his  glory ;  and  though  you  lament 
your  daily  imperfections,  do  you  breathe  after 
hohness,  and  forgetting  those  things  which  are 
behind,  do  you  strive  to  press  forward  toward 
the  mark,  for  the  prize  of  our  high  calling  in 
Christ  Jesus  ?  Then  are  you  one  of  his  people, 
however  feeble  and  glimmering   may  be   your 


176   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

faith :  and  as  such  you  are  interested  in  his  care 
of  his  children. 

"  Sing,  O  heavens;  and  be  joyful,  O  earth; 
and  break  forth  into  singing,  O  mountains :  for 
the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people,  and  will 
have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted.  But  Zion  said, 
The  Lord  hath  forsaken  me,  and  my  Lord  hath 
forgotten  me.  Can  a  woman  forget  her  sucking 
child,  that  she  should  not  have  compassion  on  the 
son  of  her  womb  ?  yea,  they  may  forget,  yet  will 
I  not  forget  thee.  Behold,  I  have  graven  thee 
upon  the  palms  of  my  hands  ;  thy  walls  are  con- 
tinually before  me."*  The  Almighty  has  pro- 
mised that  nothing  shall  hurt  his  children,  for  he 
is  the  rock  of  their  salvation,  and  a  sure  defence 
in  every  time  of  need.  As  the  mountains  are 
round  about  Jerusalem,  so  the  Lord  is  round 
about  those  that  fear  him,  to  protect,  guide,  and 
comfort  them.  He  has  promised  strength  equal 
to  their  day,  and  by  his  Holy  Spirit  he  supports 
the  feeble  and  cheers  the  distressed. 

When  God  afflicts,  he  has  far  higher  designs 
than  simply  to  exemplify  his  compassion,  his 
faithfulness,  and  his  power  in  supporting  under 
trials;  he  wishes  his  people  to  wear  more  of  his 
image  on  their  hearts,  and  to  have  their  affections 
set  on  heavenly  things.     He  is  well  acquainted 

*  Isa.  xlix.  13—16. 


UxN  THE   SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.      177 

with  the  secrets  of  all  hearts :  he  sees  and  knows 
all  that  passes  in  the  inmost  bosom :  nothing  is 
concealed  from  his  scrutiny.  He  perceives  that 
your  mind  is  occupied  with  earthly  things,  your 
affections  fixed  inordinately  on  some  beloved  ob- 
ject. He  beholds  you  planting,  nourishing,  and 
watering,  with  unremitting  care,  the  gourd  under 
which  you  have  taken  shelter,  and  in  whose  shade 
you  allow  your  best  affections  to  breathe  out  all 
their  fragrance.  He  sees  that  all  your  attentions 
are  directed  to  the  support  of  this  frail  and  lovely 
flower,  and  that  you  lose  sight  of  the  kind  hand 
which  gave^  and  which  has  hitherto  supported  its 
existence.  You  are  indeed  anxious  for  its  wel- 
fare, but  you  do  not  look  to  God  alone  to  bless  it, 
and  bless  it  to  yourself.  You  are  unmindful  of 
Him  to  whom  you  should  consecrate  the  blessing. 
The  eye  of  Infinite  Goodness  perceives  how  your 
thoughts  and  affections  are  alienated  from  him- 
self, and  solely  engaged  in  the  present  welfare 
of  your  darling  idol.  Most  kindly  then  does  He 
commission  disease  to  blast  your  gourd,  and  you 
see  it  wither  away  and  die  before  you. 

And  dost  thou  well  to  be  angry  ?  Alas !  how 
foolish  has  been  your  conduct !  You  have  been 
building  plans  of  happiness  for  many  years,  on 
the  creature  of  a  day ;  and  in  one  hour,  all  is  cut 
down  with  a  stroke.  When  you  were  busily  en- 
gaged in  preparing  for  yourself  the  cruel  recol- 


178   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

lection  of  abused  mercies,  was  it  not  an  instance 
of  almighty  care,  that  he  warned  you  of  danger, 
and  taught  you  the  insufficiency  of  any  thing  but 
himself,  to  confer  substantial  happiness?  He 
corrects,  that  you  may  deeply  feel  the  sin  and 
folly  of  your  past  conduct,  and  return  unto  him 
with  full  purpose  of  heart.  Your  earthly  com- 
forts are  removed,  in  order  that  your  hearts  may 
be  prepared  for  better  and  more  enduring  bless- 
ings, and  that  your  souls  may  be  left  at  liberty 
to  be  engaged  about  his  service. 

The  Lord  God  will  have  all  his  children  to  be 
burning  and  shining  lights  in  the  world,  to  show 
forth  his  praise.  He  has  not  called  them  out  of 
darkness  into  his  marvellous  light,  in  order  that 
they  may  extinguish  or  conceal  the  light  that  is 
in  them,  or  be  like  unto  the  feeble  glimmering  of 
the  glow-worm,  chiefly  visible  during  the  gloomy 
night,  chained  to  earth,  and  destined  to  illuminate 
its  own  little  narrow  sphere.  But  He  wills  that 
the  principles  of  divine  grace  be  nurtured  and 
expanded  into  action,  that  they  be  wrought  into 
habits,  and  exhibited  to  the  praise  of  the  glory  of 
his  grace.  He  wills  that  the  Christian's  light 
should  teach  the  way  to  heaven,  and  show  to 
others  the  beauty  of  holiness.  His  should  be  a 
life  of  constant  activity  and  vigilance :  for  he  has 
much  to  do ;  and  soon  the  night  cometh,  when  no 
man  can  work.     And  he  is  concerned,  not  only 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  COiNSOLATloN.       179 

that  others,  seeing  his  conduct,  should  glorify 
God,  but  that  he  himself  should  be  nurtured  for 
the  heavenly  world;  and  that,  having  been  a 
light  to  others,  he  should  at  last  shine  as  a  star 
for  ever  in  the  firmament  of  glory. 

Hence,  he  should  be  careful  of  his  thoughts, 
his  feelings,  and  affections;  and  anxious  that 
they  may  be  kept  right  with  God,  that  the  Al- 
mighty may  be  their  centre  and  source.  This 
cannot  be,  while  he  loves  excessively  any  creature ; 
and  therefore  God,  in  his  great  mercy,  removes 
the  fondly  admired  object  which  absorbs  the  soul, 
steals  its  richer  facuUies  from  heaven,  and  hides 
them  in  a  vessel  of  clay.  Thus  the  heart,  which 
before  was  engrossed  with  earthly  care,  is  pre- 
pared for  the  reception  of  himself,  and  perfected 
for  the  heavenly  glory  above. 

Is  it  not  consoling,  that  the  conduct  of  Jehovah 
is  governed  by  such  gracious  designs  towards 
you ;  and  that  you  are  entirely  in  the  hands  of 
one  who  so  intimately  knows  what  is  best  for 
you,  and  is  able  to  do  more  and  better  for  you 
than  you  can  ask  or  think  ?  His  object  in  afflict- 
ing you  is  extensive  and  permanent.  He  will^ 
that  you  commit  yourselves  entirely  to  his  guid- 
ance and  government;  and  he  wishes  to  induce 
that  frame  of  mind,  in  which  you  will  make  a 
distinct  and  entire  surrender  of  yourself  to  him. 
He  designs  that  the  chief  aim  of  your  life  should 


1^0       ON  THE  SOUkCESr  OF  CONSOLATION* 

be  to  love  and  serve  him ;  that  his  Spirit  should 
abide  in  you  and  assist  you  in  the  performance 
of  his  will:  that  your  dispositions,  temper,  and 
frame  of  mind  should  be  purified  and  directed 
towards  Him  whom  you  should  supremely  love 
and  regard. 

It  will  be  of  little  avail  to  contemplate  Jehovah's 
character  as  engaged  to  afford  grace  and  strength 
to  the  sufferer,  if  we  do  not  pray  for  devotedness 
to  him.  It  is  only  to  the  humble,  contrite  soul 
that  his  blessings  are  given :  and  it  is  not  easy 
to  conceive  the  tranquillity,  peace,  and  joy  arising 
from  a  fixed  and  entire  dedication  to  his  service* 
From  the  heart  we  desire  to  be  his,  and  to  live  to 
his  glory :  we  would  know  no  other  first  principle 
of  action  than  love  of  him :  we  can  no  longer  be 
anxious  about  our  concerns,  for  we  are  assured 
that  all  is  in  his  hand,  and  therefore  are  we  safe. 
We  would  earnestly  desire  to  be  more  entirely 
his,  and  to  love  and  serve  him  better.  We  would 
commit  our  way  unto  the  Lord,  and  seek  to 
glorify  him  with  our  bodies  and  with  our  spirits. 
He  who  inhabiteth  eternity  will  take  care  of  us : 
he  asks  for  our  heart,  and  we  will  give  it  him 
unreservedly;  for  then,  and  then  only ,  shall  we 
enjoy  tranquillity :  we  shall  rejoice  in  the  God  of 
our  salvation,  who  voluntarily  and  graciously  un- 
dertakes to  relieve  us  of  every  burden,  and  to 
give  us  peace. 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       181 

No  tranquillity  can  be  compared  with  the  peace 
of  God,  the  calm  serenity  diffused  over  the  whole 
soul,  by  a  reliance  on  his  goodness,  and  obedience 
to  his  commands.  When  the  paroxysms  of  grief 
recur,  when  the  mind  is  agitated  by  the  retros- 
pect of  its  lost  happiness,  and  by  the  contempla- 
tion of  the  fearful  evils  with  which  it  is  environed ; 
if  the  mourner  comes  to  God,  and  in  humble  faith 
seeks  comfort  alone  from  him,  he  will  give  it,  he 
will  manifest  himself  to  the  soul,  so  as  to  fill  its 
vast  desires;  he  will  allay  the  aching  heart  and 
tranquilUze  the  troubled  bosom,  with  his  cheer- 
ing and  sustaining  presence,  and  with  the  bright- 
ening prospects  of  eternity. 

The  consolations  of  God  are,  however,  to  be 
expected  only  in  obedience  to  his  will,  and  we 
must  be  careful  that  we  do  not  grieve  the  Spirit 
of  God,  by  murmuring,  or  calling  in  question  the 
righteousness  of  his  proceedings.  This,  indeed, 
would  invalidate  our  claim  to  comfort ;  while,  if 
we  wait  upon  God  in  the  way  of  his  appointment, 
in  due  time  we  shall  reap,  if  we  faint  not.  And 
we  shall  reap,  not  only  present  comfort  and 
support  from  Him  who  can  give  us  a  name  and 
a  place  better  than  of  sons  or  daughters,  but 
that  peace  which  arises  from  the  hope  of  our 
interest  in  the  pardoning  love  and  favour  of 
God;  that  consolation  which  is  founded  on  Christ 
as  our  Mediator,  Intercessor,  and  Advocate; 
16 


182      ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  COIN'SOLATIOX. 

that  cordial  support  which  originates  from  the 
influence  of  the  principles  of  religion ;  that  calm 
and  holy  joy  which  owes  its  birth  to  the  prospects, 
the  glorious  anticipations  with  which  we  are 
s.urrounded  :  "  for  1  reckon  that  these  hght  afflic- 
tions are  not  worthy  to  be  com})ared  with  the 
glory  that  shall  follow."  "  For  which  cause  we 
faint  not ;  but  though  our  outward  man  perish, 
yet  the  inward  man  is  renewed  day  by  day. 
For  our  hght  affliction,  which  is  but  for  a  mo- 
ment, worketh  for  us  a  far  more  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory ;  while  we  look  not  at 
the  things  which  are  seen :  for  the  things  which 
are  seen  are  temporal ;  but  the  things  which  are 
not  seen  are  eternal."* 

But  we  rejoice  in  the  end  which  affliction  is 
accomplishing  in  us.  It  is  preparing  us  to  glorify 
God,  and  for  an  abundant  entrance  into  that  rest 
which  he  has  provided  for  those  who,  through 
much  tribulation,  have  washed  their  robes  in  the 
blood  of  the  Lamb,  and  now  inherit  the  kingdom. 
It  is  the  discipline  by  which  we  are  taught  to 
regard  God  as  our  chief  good.  We  learn  the 
frailty  of  our  own  nature,  the  folly  of  departing 
from  him,  and  of  resting  in  any  other  source  of 
happiness.  It  will  purify  and  exalt  our  graces, 
that,  thus  fitted  for  breathing  the  purer  atmos- 

*  2  Cor.  iv.  1G— 18. 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       18^ 

phere  of  the  heavenly  world,  these  themselves 
may  be  the  spring  of  more  abundant  happmess, 
where  perfect  pleasure  dwells. 

Afflictions,  well  sustained,  prove  a  source  of 
comfort  even  on  earth,  from  the  manifestation 
of  the  glory  and  grace  of  God ;  while  they  endure 
but  for  an   instant  of  time,  and  will  soon  be 
swallowed  up  in  praise,   in  an  exceeding  and 
eternal  weight  of  glory.     While  the  Christian 
thus  looks  beyond  the  narrow  boundary  of  mor- 
tality,  and  catches  a  glimpse  of  the  heavenly 
state,  he  is  ready  to  endure  even  far  more,  that 
he  may  win  Christ  and  be  found  in  him.     He  is 
concerned  to  glorify  God,  and  anxious  that  his 
heart  should  be   elevated  above   present  pains 
and  sorrows,  and  fixed  on  those  eternal  things, 
during  our   steady  regard  on  which  only  it  is 
that  we  can  expect  to  derive  benefit  from  the 
exercise  of  sorrow.     Let  us  then  earnestly  look 
to  God  as  the  author  of  every  affliction,    and 
derive  unfeigned  consolation  from  the  recollec- 
tion, that,   as  such.  He  afflicts  in  wisdom  and 
love,  that  he  is  engaged  to  uphold  us,  that  he 
chastens  us  for  our  good,  that  he  is  ever  with 
us,  and  prepares  us  for  a  residence  with  himself 
in  the  kingdom  of  glory. 

Consolation  is  again  to  be  derived  from  the 
nature  of  the  comfort  you  have  lost.  At  best,  it 
was  a  mortal  blessing.     You  could  have  enjoyed 


184       ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATIOx\. 

it  but  for  a  short  time  longer;  and  even  this 
enjoyment  would  have  been  intermingled  with 
many  tears  of  sorrow,  which  your  dearest  friend 
will  now  escape ;  and  w  ould  have  been  inter- 
rupted and  impaired  by  a  thousand  troubles  and 
disquietudes,  which  will  now  be  avoided.  The 
blessing  you  have  lost  is  of  a  temporal  nature, 
and  you  now  feel  how  much  you  were  attached 
to  it ;  how  deeply  rooted  were  your  affections, 
not  simply  on  the  object  of  your  fondest  hopes, 
but  ramifying  most  extensively  on  this  lower 
soil.  Many  points  of  attachment  to  the  earth 
are  now  cut  off;  many  sources  from  which  you 
derived  supplies  of  present  pleasure  are  dried 
up;  you  have  fewer  attractions  to  the  world, 
and  your  most  valued  treasures  are  removed  to 
heaven :  and  "  where  the  treasure  is,  there  will 
the  heart  be  also."  Yes  ;  your  hearts  will  still 
love  to  follow  your  beloved  relatives,  and  delight 
in  anticipating  the  possession  of  heavenly /^//aYy. 
Thus  will  you  be  aiming  after  conformity  to  a 
dear  Redeemer,  that  you  may  be  with  him,  and 
with  his  children :  and  you  will  not  only  find 
that  your  spiritual  pleasures  are  undiminished, 
but  that  they  are  increased.  All  the  imre  sources 
of  present  happiness  are  left  untouched,  nay, 
are  purified  and  enlarged:  for,  will  not  your 
capacity  to  love  God,  your  delight  in  his  service, 
vour  humility,  your  confidence,  your  faith,  yonr 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.      185 

hope,  be  magnified  and  established,  when  your 
heart  is  thus  raised  to  another  and  a  better 
world  ? 

Besides,  you  are  feelingly  taught  the  important 
lesson,  that  there  is  no  rest  on  earth,  and  that 
disquietude  and  care  are  ready  to  mar  your 
happiest  moments.  The  spirit  of  your  dearest 
friend  has  fled  from  the  uneasiness  of  a  longer 
pilgrimage  on  earth,  to  a  place  of  safety  and  of 
rest ;  has  escaped  the  trials  which  are  necessary 
to  remind  us  we  have  no  abiding  city  here  ;  and 
has  for  ever  bidden  adieu  to  the  gloomy  cares 
with  which  the  imperfection  of  our  nature  had 
encumbered  its  path  through  this  world's  wide 
wilderness.  You  have  sustained  the  loss  of  a 
beloved  object,  which  too  probably  was  the 
means  of  dividing  your  heart,  and  weaning  your 
affections  from  God :  and  thus  are  you  prepared 
to  receive  him  with  your  whole  heart,  to  remem- 
ber thy  first  love,  "  to  remember  from  whence 
thou  art  fallen,  and  repent  and  do  thy  first  work :" 
and  are  excited  to  "be  watchful  and  strengthen 
the  things  that  remain,  and  are  ready  to  die;" 
that  when  your  Lord  cometh,  you  may  be  found 
watching.  You  have  lost  a  present  comfort; 
yet  a  wise  and  merciful  God  overrules  for  good 
this  afflictive  event,  and  makes  it  the  instrument 
of  bringing  you  to  enjoy  far  greater  and  im- 
perishable pleasures. 

16* 


186        ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

But,  again,  a  great  source  of  consolation  is 
presented  to  the  affectionate  heart,  in  the  im- 
mediate perfect  happiness  of  him  who  has  been 
removed.  How  inexpressibly  joyful  must  be  the 
transition!  Only  conceive  of  the  infinite  sur- 
prise of  the  holy,  happy,  disembodied  spirit  ; 
perhaps  suddenly  translated  from  earth  to  hea- 
ven, scarcely  even  tasting  of  death,  and  quickly 
winging  its  flight  across  the  dark  and  unknown 
valley,  to  realms  of  everlasting  day ;  this  hour 
wandering  on  earth  in  perfect  health,  and,  though 
surrounded  with  trials  and  difficulties,  imploring 
its  Maker  for  guidance  and  assistance  in  keeping 
his  ways ;  the  next,  sleeping  in  the  bosom  of  a 
compassionate  Saviour ;  in  a  moment  swept  away 
from  all  these  vain  and  transitory  scenes,  and 
introduced  to  the  society  of  the  blessed,  with, 
"  Well  done,  good  and  faithful  servant ;  enter 
thou  into  the  joy  of  thy  Lord." 

Or  conceive  of  the  ravages  of  disease,  slowly 
depriving  the  cheek  of  its  crimson  hue  of  health, 
undermining  the  powers  of  the  constitution,  and 
impairing  the  activity  of  that  body  which  was 
lately  subservient  to  the  volitions  of  an  active, 
intelligent,  affectionate,  and  pious  mind.  The 
animal  powers  are  fast  verging  to  decay,  and 
ere  long,  the  principle  of  vitality  must  be  extin- 
guished. Yet,  even  now,  the  Christian  rises 
above  disease,  and  though  his  outward  man  de- 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.      187 

cay,  his  inward  strength  is  renewed  day  by  day ; 
he  bears  an  ample  testimony  to  the  goodness  of 
God,  and  to  the  supporting  influence  of  the  truths 
of  the  Gospel;  for  he  knows  in  whom  he  has 
believed,  and  is  persuaded  that  he  is  able  to 
keep  that  which  he  has  committed  to  him,  unto 
the  last  day.  Even  in  the  closing  scene,  though 
he  may  not  die  triumphant,  yet  his  hopes  and 
joys  are  fixed  on  God,  his  faith  and  confidence 
in  the  atoning  merits  of  a  Redeemer's  sacrifice. 
The  happy  spirit,  though  it  still  linger  on  the 
confines  of  mortality,  is  pluming  its  wings  to  soar 
above  : 

"  The  nearer  still  she  draws  to  land, 
The  more  her  sacred  joys  expand ; 
With  steady  helm,  and  well-bent  sail, 
Her  anchor  drops  within  the  vail ! 
'  Triumphant  now  she  claps  her  wings, 

And  her  celestial  sonnet  sings. 
Glory  to  God !" 

Sin  has  no  longer  any  influence  to  damp  the 
joy  and  interrupt  the  prospects  of  the  soul. 
Faith  is  exchanged  for  sight,  prayer  for  praise, 
expectation  for  fruition.  There  is  no  darkness 
now ;  for  he  sees  God,  sees  him  as  he  is,  is 
conformed  to  his  image,  and  filled  with  his 
glory.  It  is  impossible  to  conceive,  much  more 
depict^  the  felicity  of  the  disembodied  spirit,  at 
once  freed  from  all  the  shackles  of  mortality, 


188   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

and  delighting  in  the  service  of  the  Most  High  : 
all  its  faculties,  its  powers,  and  its  affections, 
centering  in  him,  purified  and  sublimed,  and 
exercised  on  a  scale  the  most  comprehensive, 
unlimited,  and  eternal. 

Only  conceive  of  the  happiest  moments  you 
ever  spent  on  earth  with  our  dear  friend  now  in 
heaven;  those  in  which,  prostrated  before  the 
throne  of  God,  in  social  yet  private  worship, 
you  joined  hands  and  hearts  in  mutually  sup- 
plicating the  favour  of  Jehovah,  and  the  best 
blessings  of  his  smiles  on  your  undertakings  for 
his  service.  Conceive  of  that  sweetest  com- 
munion of  souls  which  you  have  participated; 
(how  did  your  hearts  burn  within  you,  with  love 
to  God,  and  to  each  other !)  and  the  entire  ex- 
emption you  have  enjoyed  from  every  jarring 
sound.  How  sweet  is  the  recollection  of  those 
few  happy  moments  !  now  infinitely  dear  to 
memory !  Yet,  if  you  endeavour  to  multiply 
these  joys  with  all  the  powers  of  your  mind,  you 
will  fall  incalculably  short  of  the  actual  blessed- 
ness of  heaven;  for  "  eye  hath  not  seen,  nor  ear 
heard,  nor  hath  it  entered  into  the  heart  of  man 
to  conceive  the  joys  which  are  reserved  for  the 
people  of  God." 

And  this  blessedness  is  eternal :  it  knows  no 
change,  is  the  same  yesterday,  and  to-day,  and 
for  ever.     Into  this  joy  your  friend  has  entered ; 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   189 

and  as  you  loved  him  on  earth  with  disinterested 
affection,  are  you  not  consoled  by  this  delightful 
prospect  ?  Nay,  do  you  not  rejoice  to  part  with 
your  own  ease,  that  he  may  be  happy?  Is  it 
not  happiness  to  know  that  he  is  "  where  the 
wicked  cease  from  troubling,  and  the  weary  are 
at  rest  ?"  Yes,  it  is — you  would  not  wish  him 
back  again ;  you  prefer  his  happiness  to  your 
own,  and  only  desire  to  follow  him  :  you  recollect 
his  present  peace,  and  are  comforted. 

God  has  graciously  removed  one  of  his  tender 
feeble  lambs ;  has  promised  to  keep  it  in  his 
bosom;  to  cherish  it,  and  restore  it  to  you  at  his 
appointed  time.  He  has  taken  it  away  from  the 
evil  to  come.  Jesus  says,  "  In  the  world  ye 
shall  have  tribulation ;  but  be  of  good  cheer,  I 
have  overcome  the  world."  In  Jesus,  too,  your 
dear  friend  has  been  made  more  than  conqueror, 
and  has  escaped  the  tribulations  of  a  protracted 
warfare  :  he  has  escaped  from  his  own  frailties, 
and  has  exchanged  the  infirmities  of  our  nature 
for  glory,  honour,  and  immortality. 

Though  he  be  no  more  seen  upon  earth, 
though  his  place  be  vacant  in  the  sanctuary, 
though  there  be  none  to  occupy  his  useful  sta- 
tion, and  none  to  fill  his  domestic  relations,  yet 
he  is  not  lost ;  he  is  not  dead,  but  sleepeth ;  he 
ever  liveth  and  reigneth  with  the  saints  in  light. 
He  dwells  not  upon  earth,  but  lives  in  immor- 


190   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

tality,  in  the  immediate  presence  of  God,  and 
the  service  of  the  Redeemef.  Sorrow  is  no 
longer  known  to  the  bhssful  inhabitant  of  a 
heavenly  world ;  sin  is  for  ever  banished  ;  disease 
and  death  are  known  no  more,  and  can  no  longer 
impair  the  activity  of  the  soul:  the  understanding 
is  not  fettered  by  the  cumbrous  medium  of  clay, 
through  which  it  receives  its  exterior  notices; 
the  heart  is  no  longer  throbbing  with  wo,  nor 
agitated  and  disturbed  by  a  thousand  painful 
feelings  and  conflicting  passions,  but  animated 
solely  with  the  love  of  God  ; 

"  The  tears  ar«  all  wiped  from  those  eyes, 
And  evil  they  never  shall  see." 

The  understanding  is  enlarged  to  comprehend 
what  is  the  height,  and  breadth,  and  length,  and 
depth  of  the  love  of  God;  the  heart  is  expanded 
to  feel  alone  its  unbounded  influence ;  and  the 
whole  soul  is  fitted  and  prepared,  and  all  its 
powers  and  faculties  are  rendered  capable  of 
relishing  the  joys  of  the  heavenly  state,  of  ador- 
ing, loving,  serving,  and  praising  God. 

Though  absent  from  the  body,  he  is  for  ever 
present  with  the  Lord :  he  has  joined  the  song  of 
the  redeemed  above,  and  has  united  in  ascribing 
praises  to  the  Lamb  that  was  slain.  No  longer 
worn  by  disease,  distressed  by  afliiction,  assailed 
by  temptation,  or  haunted  by  sin,  there  is  full  en- 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  CONSOLATION.       l^J 

joyment  for  the  expauded  heart  in  the  worship 
of  God.  He  is  present  with  his  Redeemer,  with 
Him  who,  became  a  ransom  for  many,  suffered 
the  wrath  of  God  for  the  sins  of  his  people,  and 
gave  himself  for  tiiem,  that  they  through  Him 
might  find  acceptance  with  God — with  Him,  who 
has  been  his  God,  his  father,  and  his  friend;  his 
guide  through  hfe,  his  support  under  trials  and 
distresses,  his  everlasting  portion  in  the  midst  of 
every  changing  scene  ;  his  hope,  and  all-sufficient 
Saviour,  in  the  last  hour  of  death — with  Him  who 
has  been  his  joy,  and  is  now  become  his  exceeding 
great  reward — with  Him  in  whose  presence  is 
fulness  of  joy,  and  at  whose  right  hand  there  are 
pleasures  for  evermore. 

From  the  contemplation  of  this  state  of  endless 
bhss,  you  are  led  forward  to  reflect  on  the  present 
perfection  of  the  capacities  of  the  deceased. 
With  pure  and  chastened  delight,  you  have  loved 
and  admired  the  character  of  your  dear  friend 
while  on  earth.  The  mild  and  varied  intelligence 
of  a  well-stored  mind ;  the  meek,  disinterested 
affection  of  a  heart  formed  for  tenderness,  and 
moulded  by  religion ;  the  benevolence  of  his  dis- 
position; his  amiable  temper;  the  rectitude  of 
his  principles ;  his  fear  of  God,  and  obedience  to 
his  commands;  his  delight  in  his  service,  and 
desire  of  living  to  his  glory ;  the  exceUence  of  his 
conduct,  and  his  unremitting  exertions  to  be  con- 


192   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

stantly  doing  good  to  all  the  poor,  needy,  afflicted, 
and  wandering,  in  his  sphere — formed  so  many 
points  of  attraction,  on  which  you  delighted  to 
dwell  with  increasing  satisfaction.  And  yet,  with 
all  these  excellencies,  your  dear  friend's  was  not 
a  perfect  character.  An  impartial  recollection  of 
all  he  said  and  did  will  mark  visible  imperfection ; 
will  show  that  the  soul  was  still  militant  on  earth, 
and  affected  by  a  variety  of  external  circum- 
stances, and  these  too  frequently  and  too  inti- 
mately allied  to  human  depravity,  though  con- 
tinually deplored  and  opposed  as  the  consequence 
of  indwelling  sin» 

Contemplate  now  the  state  of  the  souli  its 
perceptions  quickened  and  enlarged ;  its  affec- 
tions directed  to  their  proper  centre ;  its  faculties 
wholly  employed  in  the  service  of  God ;  its  dispo- 
sitions and  actions  purified  and  exalted;  the 
sphere  of  its  sensations  changed  from  earth  to 
heaven,  and  their  nature  now  divine,  no  longer 
subject  to  the  inroads  of  pain  and  sin :  all  which 
beautified  the  character  on  earth,  all  which  made 
it  estimable,  all  which  constituted  it  lovely  in  your 
eyes,  is  rendered  absolutely  perfect  by  its  trans- 
lation to  heaven.  Conceive,  then,  of  these  same 
amiable  traits  still  in  exercise,  with  the  addition 
of  inconceivable  purity :  and  do  you  not  feel,  that, 
although  dead,  he  yet  speaks,  and  thinks,  and 
feels  ?  Do  you  not  love  him  still,  for  the  reasons 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   193 

you  loved  him  on  earth?  Is  not  your  affection 
increased  by  his  present  holy,  happy  state?  Do 
you  not  find  it  a  source  of  pleasure,  still  to  love 
that  which  was  imperishable,  that  which  was 
heavenly  about  him?  and  do  you  not  derive  a 
large  fund  of  consolation  from  this  exercise  of 
affection?  A  ray  of  heavenly  joy  gilds  your  soli- 
tary hours,  and  illumines  your  path  through  this 
dark  wilderness ;  guiding  you  by  its  chastened 
light  to  the  mansions  of  the  blessed. 

Yet  there  is  another  feature  of  the  present 
state  of  the  deceased,  which  deserves  your  notice ; 
— they  sleep  in  Jesus,  Death  is  frequently  repre- 
sented as  a  sleep  ;  and  under  this  beautiful  simi- 
litude we  are  informed  that  it  is  only  a  temporary 
cessation  of  hostility,  and  of  the  vital  principle, 
preparatory  to  some  new  state  of  existence,  of 
which  we  can  form  at  best  but  an  inadequate  idea. 
As,  during  sleep,  the  immaterial  principle  within 
us  remains  still  active  and  vigilant ;  so,  during 
the  long  night  of  death,  the  soul,  freed  from  the 
prison  of  the  body,  is  ever  active  in  its  sweet 
employment  just  described.  The  powers  of  voir* 
tion,  and  perception  of  external  objects,  have 
ceased  from  the  body :  it  is  dead,  it  is  now  a 
nothing,  and  will  soon  be  removed  from  our ^ight. 
Yet  what  affectionate  heart  is  there,  that  does 
not  delight  to  linger  over  the  body  of  his  departed 
relative  ?  Memory  loves  to  trace  in  the  affection- 
17 


194      ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  COx\SOLA'i  ION. 

ate  intelligent  smile,  which  still  hovers  around 
the  lips,  and  which  not  even  death  itself  can  yet 
destroy,  the  delightful  peace  with  which  the  soul 
quitted  its  tenement  of  clay,  as  well  as  the  testi- 
mony of  endeared  affection  to  surviving  relatives, 
which  indicates  that  the  last  thought  on  earth 
was  that  of  love  for  them^  and  anticipated  joy  on 
the  very  confines  of  eternity.  Who  does  not  de- 
light to  retrace  in  imagination,  what  the  expres- 
sive eye,  sparkling  with  delight,  lately  told  of  all 
its  feelings,  its  cares,  and  joys?  or  contemplate 
that  form  consecrated  by  a  thousand  endeared 
recollections,  and  of  which  every  wonted  object 
of  participated  pleasure  now  seems  but  as  a  sad 
memento  ?  Yes !  feeble  nature  shrinks  from  the 
sad  parting  even  of  this  lifeless  clay  :  though  the 
soul  be  gone,  it  rejoices  to  dwell  and  infuse  ima- 
ginary activity  into  each  limb  and  every  feature ; 
hence  the  reluctance  with  which  we  commit  the 
body  to  the  narrow  cheerless  cell  appointed  for 
all  the  living. 

Yet  hush  the  murmuring  thought !  Thy  dearly 
beloved  friend  only  sleeps  in  Jesus :  he  is  shrouded 
in  the  arms  of  a  Saviour's  love,  who  died  and 
rose  again,  that  all  his  followers  might.  Jesus 
watches  over  the  bodies  of  his  saints,  and  will 
keep  them  until  the  last  great  day  of  retribution. 
Our  blessed  Lord  himself  tasted  of  death,  though 
he  could  not  be  subjected  by  it,  and  he  has  per- 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.      195 

fumed  the  grave  by  his  presence.  Shall  we  then 
fear  to  commit  our  dear  friend  to  that  tomb  where 
Jesus  lay,  and  whence  he  rose  triumphant,  lead- 
ing "  captivity  captive,"  and  trampling  over  that 
last  enemy,  even  death?  "  For  this  corruptible 
must  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  must 
put  on  immortality.  So,  when  this  corruptible 
shall  have  put  on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal 
shall  have  put  on  immortality,  then  shall  be 
brought  to  pass  the  saying  that  is  written,  Death 
is  swallowed  up  in  victory.  O  death,  where  is 
thy  sting?  O  grave,  where  is  thy  victory  ?  The 
sting  of  death  is  sin ;  and  the  strength  of  sin  is 
the  law.  But  thanks  be  to  God,  which  giveth  us 
the  victory,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ."* 
Jesus  "  is  the  resurrection  and  the  life."  Through 
him,  that  which  you  now  commit  to  the  grave, 
shall  be  raised  at  the  last  day,  in  his  image,  to 
sanctification  and  honour.  Thus  your  dear  friend 
will  only  slumber  till  the  morning  of  the  resur- 
rection; "  for  if  we  believe  that  Jesus  died  and 
rose  again,  even  so  them  also  which  sleep  in  Jesus 
will  God  bring  with  him,  and  so  shall  we  ever  be 
with  the  Lord.t  If  in  this  life  only  we  have  hope 
in  Christ,  we  are  of  all  men  most  miserable.  But 
now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead,  and  become 
the  first  fruits  of  them  that  slept.     For  since  by 

*  1  Cor.  XV.  53-^7  1 1  Thess.  iv.  14, 17. 


196       ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

man  came  death,  by  man  came  also  the  resurrec- 
tion of  the  dead.  For  as  in  Adam  all  die,  even 
so  in  Christ  shall  all  be  made  alive."*  And  the 
glorious  change  it  will  undergo,  is  thus  described 
in  the  beautiful,  simple,  and  energetic  language 
of  the  Apostle:  "  It  is  sown  in  corruption;  it  is 
raised  in  incorruption  :  it  is  sown  in  dishonour ; 
It  is  raised  in  glory :  it  is  sown  in  weakness ;  it  is 
raised  in  power :  it  is  sown  a  natural  body ;  it  is 
raised  a  spiritual  body.  There  is  a  natural  body, 
and  there  is  a  spiritual  body.  And  so  it  is  written, 
The  first  man  Adam  was  made  a  living  soul ;  the 
last  Adam  was  made  a  quickening  spirit.  How- 
beit,  that  was  not  first  which  is  spiritual,  but  that 
which  is  natural;  and  afterward  that  which  is 
spiritual.  The  first  man  is  of  the  earth,  earthy; 
the  second  man  is  the  Lord  from  heaven.  As  is 
the  earthy,  such  are  they  also  that  are  earthy  : 
and  as  is  the  heavenly,  such  are  they  also  that 
are  heavenly.  And  as  we  have  borne  the  image 
of  the  earthy,  we  shall  also  bear  the  image  of 
the  heavenly."t 

This  is  the  glorious  prospect  revealed  through 
Christ  Jesus,  and  reserved  for  those  who  are 
kept  by  the  power  of  God,  through  faith  unto 
salvation.  You  bid  adieu  to  the  body  of  your 
dearest  relative,  but  it  is  only  for  a  time.     It 

^  1  Cor.  XV.  19—22.  t  1  Cor.  xv.  42—48. 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  CONSOLATION.       197 

i*e mains  in  its  chrysalis  state  for  the  appointed 
period,  and  then  rises  under  new  forms  and 
combinations,  which  indeed  we  cannot  exactly 
trace,  but  infinitely  glorious,  and  like  to  Christ's 
glorified  body.  In  the  arms  of  a  kind  Saviour 
it  will  rest  till  the  trumpet  shall  sound,  and  the 
dead  shall  be  raised  incorruptible.  Thus  faith 
descries  infinite  glories  as  the  result  of  this 
apparent  disorganization  of  the  animal  frame : 
it  beholds  new  scenes  breaking  upon  the  as- 
tonished view;  it  commits  the  keeping  of  the 
body  as  unto  a  faithful  Creator  in  well-doing  ;  it 
leaves  its  earthly  all  in  His  hands,  who  openeth, 
and  no  man  shutteth,  and  shutteth,  and  no  man 
openeth. 

The  Christian  looks  at  death  as  the  prelude 
of  eternity.  *'  Thou  fool,  that  which  thou  sowest, 
is  not  quickened  except  it  die."  In  this  beautiful 
similitude  we  find  even  the  appearance  of  death 
disarmed  of  all  its  terror.  The  seed  is  thrown 
into  the  ground ;  it  is  hidden  from  our  sight ; 
but  by  and  by  we  are  surprised  to  see  the 
tender  blade ;  it  has  assumed  a  new  form  of 
existence;  and,  though  visited  by  the  wintry 
blast,  though  again  concealed  from  our  sight  by 
the  hoar  frost  and  the  snow,  it  is  preserved,  and 
prepared,  by  this  long  night  of  comparative  in- 
activity, for  future  fertility  and  beauty.  **  We 
all  do  fade  as.  a  leaf;"  we  pass  the  summer  of 
17  * 


198   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATIQN, 

life,  and  when  visited  by  the  autumnal  gale,  we 
wither,  droop,  and  fall  away  from  our  earthly 
connexions.  But  this  is  not  the  termination  of 
existence ;  for,  as  the  leaf  falls,  and  undergoes 
its  change  of  phytoseptic  decay,  it  is  prepared 
to  assume  new  forms  of  existence,  and  destined 
soon  again  to  appear  with  increased  beauty :  so 
man,  when  he  drops  into  the  grave,  is  under- 
going that  change  which  will  prepare  him  for 
existence  in  a  heavenly  world.  Let  us,  however, 
remember,  that  as  the  richness  of  autumnal 
foliage  far  exceeds  the  summer's  beauty,  so 
should  the  evening  of  life  increase  in  worth,  and 
evince  a  greater  degree  of  heavenly-mindedness, 
and  conformity  to  the  will  of  God ;  so,  in  ap- 
proaching the  winter  of  death,  and  when  the 
head  is  already  silvered  over  with  the  frost  of 
age,  should  the  heart  exemplify  that  its  inspira- 
tions are  derived  from  a  heavenly  source. 

If  we  consider  man  as  a  complicated  machine, 
admirably  fitted  for  the  performance  of  every 
function  to  which  his  situation  calls  him ;  or  if 
we  look  at  him  as  an  intellectual  being,  and 
contemplate  the  vast  resources  of  liis  mind,  we 
are  filled  with  wonder  and  admiration.  Yet  this 
is  man  in  the  infant  state  of  his  existence,  as  the 
creature  of  mortality,  as  a  rational  rather  than 
as  a  spiritual  being.  But  go  a  little  forward : 
the  cold  hand  of  death  pales  that  cheek  whicli 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   199 

once  glowed  with  vivacity;  the  expressive  eye 
is  now  sunk  in  its  Hfeless  orbit ;  the  heart,  once 
the  seat  of  the  warmest  affections,  no  longer 
beats,  no  longer  flutters  with  joy  or  throbs  with 
anxiety ;  the  animated  intelligence  of  the  coun- 
tenance has  given  place  to  ceaseless  absence  of 
expression ;  the  mind  no  longer  dwells  there ; 
and  those  active  limbs  once  obedient  to  that 
mind,  now  are  stiff,  cold,  and  inanimate.  The 
lifeless  corpse  is  soon  shrouded,  it  is  placed  in 
its  narrow  habitation,  and  entombed.  We  see 
it  no  more.  But  though  the  Christian  cannot 
explore  the  wintry  sleep  of  death,  yet  he  knows 
and  feels  that  this  last  closing  scene  of  existence 
is  but  preparatory  to  brighter  prospects. 

The  immortal  spirit  still  exists ;  and  though 
the  body  slumbers  in  the  tomb,  yet,  when  the 
night  of  death  is  past,  it  will  be  raised  incor- 
ruptible; it  will  be  reunited  with  its  kindred 
spirit ;  it  will  be  received  into  heaven  ;  all  the 
faculties  and  affections  of  the  soul  will  be  puri- 
fied and  enlarged,  and  its  happiness  completed. 
"  Blessed  are  the  dead  which  die  in  the  Lord: 
they  rest  from  all  their  labours,  and  their  works 
do  follow  them. — May  I  die  the  death  of  the 
righteous,  and  may  my  latter  end  be  like  his!" 

Such  is  the  limited  nature  of  our  faculties, 
that  it  is  not  easy  to  conceive  of  the  jovs  of  the 
heavenly  state ;  yet  that  there  is  such  a  state  of 


200   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

happiness,  and  that  it  is  adapted  to  the  full 
expansion  of  the  intellectual  powers,  has  been 
revealed  to  us.  Still  we  are  unable  to  under- 
stand its  glories,  or  to  form  adequate  and 
correct  ideas  of  half  its  blessedness :  we  can  but 
approximate  towards  the  truth,  and  must  be 
contented  to  know  but  in  part.  We  are  assured, 
that  it  is  a  rest  prepared  for  the  people  of  God ; 
and  that  its  chief  employment  will  consist  in 
loving  him  with  unwearied  alacrity  and  increas- 
ing delight.  While  we  acknowledge  the  inade- 
quacy of  our  faculties  to  conceive  of  this  blissful 
region,  there  is  no  impropriety  in  contemplating 
the  happy  land  to  which,  I  trust,  we  are  hasten- 
ing; in  following  thither,  in  imagination,  the 
spirit  of  our  departed  relative,  and  anticipating 
the  measure  of  our  knowledge  there. 

Fond  affection  anxiously  inquires  if  it  shall 
again  see  and  know  the  dear  object  of  its  joy  on 
earth :  and  appears  to  derive  support  from  this 
delightful  hope.  On  what  grounds  it  may  be 
entertained,  will  appear  from  the  following  ob- 
servations. Heaven  is  a  state  adapted  to  the 
entire  perfection  of  the  intellectual  powers;  and 
these,  freed  from  all  impurity  and  every  incum- 
brance, will  be  placed  on  their  proper  objects. 
These,  while  man  continued  in  a  state  of  inno- 
cence, were  such  as  in  their  exercise  to  consti- 
tute him  happy.     By  the  fall  they  have  become 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   201 

debased :  and  by  their  alliance  with  the  body, 
and  the  intrusion  of  sin,  their  powers  are  in- 
cumbered and  weakened,  while  the  objects  of 
their  pursuit  are  frequently  improper.  But  when 
the  soul  shall  have  bidden  adieu  to  this  vain 
gcene,  when  it  shall  have  ascended  to  realms  of 
celestial  glory,  and  the  disembodied  spirit  shall 
have  been  transformed  into  the  image  of  its 
Redeemer ;  then  all  its  powers  will  be  enlarged, 
and  tend,  in  one  uniform  current,  to  the  glory  of 
that  Being  whose  presence  constitutes  the  delight 
of  the  blessed ;  it  will  look  back  on  its  past  life, 
and  admire  the  unsearchable  riches  of  grace  and 
of  divine  love :  it  will  be  able  to  comprehend  the 
reason  and  the  wisdom  of  the  dealings  of  God, 
and  will  contemplate  with  delight  his  long  suf- 
fering patience,  and  loving-kindness,  and  tender 
mercies. 

Its  joys  li'ill  he  derived  from  the  same  source 
as  on  earth;  only  that  here  we  see  as  through  a 
glass  darkly,  while  there  we  shall  no  longer 
live  by  faith,  but  sight :  we  shall  no  longer 
experience  the  weakness  we  have  felt  below, 
but  shall  be  enabled  to  love  and  praise  God  with 
the  whole  heart.  The  exercise  of  the  intellec- 
tual functions  is  not  confined  to  one  object,  though 
they  will  ultimately  teml  exclusively  to  the  Su- 
preme Being,  and  finally  centre  in  him.  Thus, 
unquestionabk,   the  happiness   of  heaven  will 


202   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

be  enhanced  by  participation,  by  sharing  with 
others  its  pleasures  and  its  services.  There 
too,  perhaps,  the  happy  spirit,  when  disengaged 
from  the  body,  busies  itself  in  watching  over 
those  forms  to  which  it  was  attached  on  earth 
by  the  tenderest  ties :  it  is  probably  one  of  its 
cares  and  joys,  in  the  capacity  of  a  guardian 
angel,  to  watch  over  and  protect  the  endeared 
mortal  with  whom  it  was  formerly  associated  in 
love  as  pure,  in  affection  as  exalted,  as  mortality 
could  reach. 

Perhaps  we  have  no  direct  instance  of  the 
kind  in  the  Sacred  Writings :  yet  it  is  surely 
not  unfair  to  infer,  that  the  same  cause  which 
augments  the  misery  of  those  who  are  banished 
from  the  presence  of  God,  will  add  to  the  happi- 
ness of  the  blessed :  and  of  these  causes,  none 
are  more  powerful  than  perception  and  reflection. 
*'  The  rich  man,  being  in  torments,  lift  up  his 
eyes,  and  beheld  x'Vbraham  afar  off,  and  Lazarus 
in  his  bosom.  And  he  cried  and  said.  Father 
Abraham,  have  mercy  on  me,  and  send  Lazarus, 
that  he  may  dip  the  tip  of  his  finger  in  water 
and  cool  my  tongue :  for  I  am  tormented  in  this 
flame."* 

In  this  emphatic  appeal  on  the  part  of  the 
rich  man,  we  may  descry  a  consciousness  of  the 

*  Luke  xvi.  24. 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       203 

felicity  of  Lazarus,  or  he  could  not  render  him 
assistance,  and  increased  power  of  the  under- 
standing to  discern  Abraham  and  Lazarus  ;  the 
power  of  reflection  on  the  folly  of  his  own  past 
conduct,  and  the  exercise  of  aff*ection  for  his 
brethren,  that  they  might  escape  his  torments. 
On  the  part  of  Abraham,  the  great  gulf  fixed 
between  him  and  the  rich  man,  forms  an  obstacle 
to  the  relief  prayed  for ;  thus  certainly  admitting 
the  inference,  that  although  the  miserable  are 
excluded  from  the  kind  oflices  of  angels  in  hea- 
ven, yet  that  this  may  not  be  the  case  with  the 
righteous,  over  whom  God  has  given  his  angels 
charge. 

If  it  be  allowed  that  these  were  sources  of 
anguish  to  the  unhappy  spirit,  and  that  their 
exercise,  under  different  circumstances,  might 
augment  the  felicity  of  the  just,  it  surely  will 
not  be  asserted,  that  these  additions  of  happiness 
are  denied  to  the  blessed  spirit.  Hence  it  is  pre- 
sumed that  the  powers  of  the  soul  are  engaged, 
and  do  derive  pleasure  from  being  engaged, 
on  objects  of  affection  still  left  behind  it  on 
earth;  and,  therefore,  unless  by  some  subse- 
quent change  (which  is  quite  inconceivable)  these 
powers  may  have  been  extinguished,  there  will 
be  a  continuance  of  their  exercise,  when  the  happy 
spirits  shall  be  reunited  in  realms  of  bhss. 
There  can  be  nothing  improbable  in  this  suppc- 


S04   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

sition,  and  there  appears  to  be  strong  ground 
for  believing  its  reality :  for  if  the  spirit,  in  it? 
present  separate  state,  be  allowed  to  exercise 
purified  affection  towards  the  relatives  it  has 
left  behind,  such  as,  united  to  the  body,  would 
have  been  termed  social,  why  may  not  the  same 
principles  continue  in  action,  and  form  part  of 
the  happiness  of  the  blest,  when  reunited  around 
the  throne  of  God  ?  Man  was  created  upright, 
in  the  image  of  God ;  by  the  fall,  he  lost  that 
image :  but  when  the  spirit  returns  to  God  who 
gave  it,  it  is  made  like  unto  the  image  of  its 
Saviour;  it  resembles,  in  its  purity  and  prin- 
ciples, what  it  first  was,  when  emanating  from 
the  Deity. 

That  we  shall  know  and  love  each  othei* 
hereafter,  as  those  whom  we  have  known,  and 
admired,  and  loved  on  earth,  may  be  inferred 
from  the  second  of  Samuel,  and  the  twelfth 
chapter ;  where  David,  after  the  decease  of  his 
beloved  child,  exclaims  with  genuine  lively  faith, 
*'  I  shall  go  to  him,  but  he  shall  not  return  to 
-me."  Nor  does  this  allude  simply  to  partaking 
the  same  happiness  in  heaven  ;  for  if  this  were 
the  meaning  of  the  passage,  why  is  the  personal 
pronoun  alone  employed  ?  David  might  have 
said,  in  confidence  of  happiness  hereafter,  I 
shall  go  where  he  is,  but  he  shall  not  return  to 
me ;   though,  even  then,  the  last  clause  would 


ON  THE  SeuKCES  OP  CONSOLATION.       205 

seem  to  designate  a  personal  interview.  And 
when  this  is  conjoined  with  the  strong  expres- 
sion, *'  I  shall  go  to  /iiV/?,"  there  appears  to 
remain  no  doubt  that  he  uttered  these  words 
under  the  impression  that  he  should  have  a 
personal  knowledge  of  his  child  in  a  future 
world :  and  from  its  connexion  with  the  former 
part  of  the  passage,  this  anticipation  seems  to 
have  formed,  with  David,  a  principal  source  of 
consolation  under  his  affliction. 

This  knowledge  of  each  other  may  be  likewise 
inferred  from  Luke  ix.  28,  et  seq. ;  where  the 
Evangelist,  in  describing  the  transfiguration  of 
our  Lord  upon  the  mount,  observes,  that  there 
talked  with  him  two  men,  which  were  Moses 
and  EUas.  ''  And  it  came  to  pass,  as  they  de- 
parted from  him,  Peter  said  unto  Jesus,  Master, 
it  is  good  for  us  to  be  here :  and  let  us  make 
three  tabernacles ;  one  for  thee,  and  one  for 
Moses,  and  one  for  Elias  :  not  knowing  what  he 
said."  Here  Peter,  and  doubtless  also  James 
and  John,  knew  Moses  and  Elias;  they  knew 
them,  not  merely  as  happy  spirits,  but  individu- 
ally. And  this  proves  more  than  simple  know- 
ledge ;  for,  if  we  recognise  each  other  in  a 
future  world,  in  addition  to  the  complacency  we 
must  feel  towards  all  the  blissful  inhabitants  of 
that  heavenly,  peaceful  region,  there  can  be  little 
doubt,  from  a  consideration  of  the  preceding 
18 


206   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

argument,  that  we  shall  love  each  other  indi- 
vidiially ;  that  affection  entertained  on  earth  will 
be  elevated,  purified,  and  renewed  in  a  fairer 
world  of  spirits. 

The  exercise  of  affection  is  not  that  which 
pertains  solely  to  our  fallen  nature,  and  is  super- 
induced by  it ;  but  it  is  a  principle  of  the  soul's 
action ;  it  is  that  which  elevates  us  the  nearest 
to  our  great  Pattern  and  Redeemer,  which  em- 
ploys the  purest,  the  most  sublimated  energies 
of  the  immortal  mind.  Affection  was  exercised 
in  a  state  of  innocence,  and  it  constituted  the 
greater  portion  of  the  happiness  of  Paradise ; 
and  that,  not  from  being  diffused  over  all  the 
works  of  creation,  (for  the  whole  must  have 
appeared  amiable,)  but  from  its  being  concen- 
trated on  one  object.  Nor  does  it  at  all  appear 
that  this  affection  was  inimical  to  the  love  of 
God.  Hence,  individual  affection  may  exist  in 
a  future  life,  and  flow  uniformly  from,  and  be 
enhanced  by,  the  affections  centering  supremely 
in  God. 

A  state  of  innocence  is  the  nearest  approach 
to  a  future  state  of  happiness,  but  still  falls  far 
short  of  its  glories.  If,  however,  we  behold 
pure  affection  a  source  of  pleasure  in  this  vain 
and  transitory  scene,  and  if  we  then  endeavour 
to  form  an  adequate  conception  of  the  measure 
of  happiness  thus  produced  in  a  state  of  perfect 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.      207 

purity,  we  shall  irresistibly  be  led  forward  an- 
other gradation  in  the  scale  of  bliss ;  we  shall 
cast  our  eyes  on  future  scenes;  when,  added  to 
a  state  of  freedom  from  guilt,  the  spirit  shall  be 
relieved  from  the  shackles  imposed  on  it  by  the 
body  }  and  all  the  affections  purified,  and  their 
object  exalted,  their  exercise  shall  be  again 
renewed,  with  an  inconceivable  accession  of 
felicity. 

This  fact  appears  also  from  the  consideration 
of  that  disciple  whom  Jesus  loved ;  and  the  ex- 
ample of  our  dear  Redeemer  will  not  be  deemed 
one  in  which  the  frailties  and  deformities  of 
human  nature  were  commixed.  This  love  was 
pure,  pure  as  the  source  from  which  it  flowed. 
He  who  now  liveth,  and  reigneth,  and  intercedeth 
for  us,  who  gave  himself  a  ransom  for  the  sins 
of  his  people,  no  doubt  loved  them  with  an 
everlasting,  an  unchanging  love.  He  who  loved 
all  his  disciples,  affords  us  an  instance  of  parti- 
cular affection,  of  pure  exalted  love,  not  founded 
on  the  low  considerations  of  mortality,  but  during 
to  all  eternity.  This  love  we  find  testified  after 
his  resurrection,  and  immediately  before  his 
ascension  to  heaven,  his  reception  to  glory  :  nor 
can  we  then  doubt  that  individual  affection  may 
be  exercised  by  pure  intelligences. 

Our  affections  are  not  changed,  but  purified, 
exalted  in  their  object,   and  enlarged  in  their 


208   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

capacity.  When  this  corruptible  shall  have  put 
on  incorruption,  and  this  mortal  shall  have  put 
on  immortality,  then  all  that  is  sinful,  base, 
sordid,  and  selfish,  every  impure  admixture  shall 
be  taken  away,  and  disinterested  benevolence 
shall  animate  the  heart.  The  present  capacities 
and  faculties  of  the  soul  are  indestructible :  and 
but  that  they  shall  be  deprived  of  every  charac- 
teristic and  distinctive  feature  which  they  derive 
from  the  combination  of  our  spiritual  and  animal 
nature,  they  will  remain  unchanged.  Love  with- 
out alloy  will  animate  every  bosom ;  and  its  great 
object  will  be  that  gracious,  glorious,  holy  Being, 
before  whom  angels  vail  their  faces,  and  to 
whom  they  are  engaged  in  ceaseless  ascriptions 
of  praise.  Love,  will  fill  the  whole  soul ;  and 
those  affections  which  on  earth  so  feebly  tended 
towards  God,  will  now  expand  in  the  ripening 
atmospliere  of  heaven,  to  the  full-blown  maturity 
of  joy  and  peace. 

But  will  this  love  to  God  diminish  our  affection 
for  those  who  bear  his  image?  No;  it  cannot 
destroy,  but  it  will  augment,  it  will  render  more 
intense  that  love  which  here  we  exercised  to- 
wards his  people,  and  particularly  towards  some 
individuals.  We  love  God  more,  because  the 
hindrances  to  our  affection  are  removed;  and 
^s  our  desires  here  were  characterized,  though 
so  imperfectly,  by  love  to  Him;   so  will  they 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 


209 


Still  converge  to  their  proper  object,  and  will 
become  intense,  in  proportion  as  their  capacity 
is  increased.  The  same  purifying  and  exalting 
cause  which  rouses  ardent  affection  towards 
God,  will  equally  rekindle  love  to  the  happy 
beings  around  us. 

Since,  then,  there  is  no  change  in  the  nature  or 
tendency  of  the  affections ;  but  only  that  those 
previously  existing  on  earth,  debased  by  sin,  and 
chained  down  to  sense,  are  emancipated  and  ex- 
alted ;  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  we  shall 
exercise  similar  principles  in  our  intercourse  in 
heaven.  Indeed,  when  kindred  spirits  have  been 
united  here  below ,  have  participated  each  other's 
hearts,  have  travelled  together  in  the  road  to 
Zion,  have  only  parted  for  a  short  season  on  the 
narrow  verge  of  eternity;  when  this  mutual 
affection  has  had  its  basis  in-iove  to  God,  and 
has  been  iniiuenced  by  it ;  the  change  which  the 
disembodied  spirit  must  undergo,  in  order  to 
exclude  the  reaction  of  such  a  principle,  so  con- 
sonant with  its  nature  and  so  agreeable  to  the 
love  of  God,  is  absolutely  inconceivable. 

If  the  love  of  God  animate  our  bosoms ;  if  we 
really  are  the  sincere  followers  of  Christ,  and 
heirs  with  him  of  the  kingdom  and  glory ;  then 
shall  we  love  his  people,  in  so  far  as  tliey  resem- 
ble their  great. Pattern,  for  his  sake  wliose  image 
they  bear   cnstamped   upon   their   hearts,    and 


210   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

whose  lavYs  are  written  in  their  lives.  We  shaM 
love  the  people  of  God,  wherever  we  meet  with 
them,  in  whatever  nation,  or  people,  or  tongue, 
and  however  divided  into  sects  and  parties,  for 
Him  whose  name  they  revere,  and  to  whose  cross 
they  look  alone  for  salvation. 

But  we  may  go  a  step  higher.  Suppose  natural 
and  Christian  affection  to  have  been  superadded 
to  this  love  to  the  people  of  God  as  such,  and  that 
the  most  endearing  relationship  shall  have  sub- 
sisted ;  that  the  Christian's  cares,  and  joys,  and 
sorrows,  shall  have  been  participated ;  and  that 
perfect  harmony,  and  a  single  mutual  desire  to 
do  good,  shall  have  formed  the  prominent  cha- 
racter of  the  union;  this  is  the  most  engaging 
form  of  that  love  which  animates  the  heart  to- 
wards the  people  of  God.  There  may  be  then, 
modified  by  circumstances,  different  degrees  of  the 
same  principle  in  exercise;  and  this  affection  will 
be  more  pure  and  more  substantial  in  proportion 
as  the  union  is  more  and  more  spiritual.  But  it 
is  a  spiritual  union  only,  which  we  shall  hereafter 
sustain.  Let  us  then  look  beyond  the  grave,  and 
anticipate,  that  the  love  which  warmed  our  hearts 
here  below,  shall  fill  the  heart  hereafter. 

In  heaven  we  shall  love  God  without  interrup- 
tion ;  and  that  love  will  necessarily  animate  us 
with  affection  for  others,  for  the  blissful  inhabit- 
ants of  that  holy  place.    But  as  it  is  allowed  tiiat 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF    CONSOLATION.        211 

our  happiness  will  be  increased  by  the  recollection 
of  our  past  difficulties  and  trials,  and  of  our  tran- 
sition from  a  world  of  care  to  a  world  of  bliss ; 
so  it  will  be  granted  that  we  shall  experience  an 
accession  of  delight,  from  uniting  our  praises  to 
those  with  whom  we  have  associated :  and  that 
the  measure  of  the  happiness  we  shall  derive  from 
this  source,  will  be  in  proportion  to  the  nearness 
and  the  spiritual  nature  of  the  connexion  which 
subsisted  on  earth.  Thus  will  it  constitute  a 
portion  of  our  pleasures,  to  meet  in  heaven  those 
endeared  relatives  towards  whom  the  greatest 
affection  was  exercised  on  earth ;  the  recollection 
and  reflection  on  which  will  heighten  our  felicity, 
and  contribute  to  augment  our  peace  and  joy. 

We  shall  experience  additional  pleasure  from 
loving  and  praising  God  together.  Let  us  enter- 
tain exalted  ideas  of  that  blissful  state ;  but  let 
us  appreciate  its  blessings  when  we  can,  and  as 
they  deserve.  Participation  enhances  pleasure ; 
and  our  happiness  in  the  heavenly  state  will  be 
increased  by  the  myriads  of  happy  beings  around 
us ;  and  still  more  so,  by  the  safety  of  those  wo 
have  loved,  and  esteemed,  and  delighted  in 
below,  who  almost  constituted  a  part  of  our- 
selves. Does  not  then  the  hope  of  the  resur- 
rection afford  most  abundant  consolation  to  the 
mourner  ?  Its  glorious  realities  should  be  con- 
stantly before  him,  and  mitigate  his  sorrows o 


212   ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  CONSOLATION. 

The  present  scenes  will  soon  be  lost :  human 
life  is  but  as  a  shadow,  which  quickly  passes 
away;  it  is  a  tale  which  is  soon  told;  it  is  a 
journey,  which,  although  we  cannot  descry  its 
termination,  we  shall  soon  accomplish,  and  we 
cannot  tell  how  soon.  But  this  we  know,  that  the 
brevity  of  human  life  will  quickly  reunite  those 
whom  death  divides.  At  no  very  distant  period, 
you  will  be  visited  by  wan  disease,  stretched  on 
the  bed  of  sickness,  and  finally  be  no  more  seen 
upon  earth.  While,  however,  this  delightful 
prospect  animates  and  consoles  you,  remember, 
that,  though  to  die  and  be  with  Christ  is  infinite 
"  gain,"  yet  to  abide  on  earth  during  his  will,  is 
"  far  better."  Life  is  the  time  to  serve  God,  to 
show  forth  his  praise,  and  prepare  for  eternity : 
and  though  it  may  be  very  lawful  to  indulge 
ardent  expectations  of  your  removal  from  its 
cares  and  sorrows,  yet  this  becomes  sinful, 
because  excessive^  when  it  renders  yon  unduly 
anxious  to  depart,  even  "  to  be  with  Christ." 

Be  assured,  that  when  yoi\  fretfully  long  to 
be  delivered  from  the  present  scenes  of  trouble, 
you  are  not  fitted  to  enter  into  the  kingdom  of 
heaven.  You  are  not  entirely  willing  to  do  and 
to  suffer  the  will  of  God  here,  and  consequently 
are  incapable  of  yielding  that  perfect  obedience 
and  submission  to  him,  v/hich  the  society  and 
happiness  of  heaven  demand.     Earnestly  chack 


OiV  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       213 

the  first  impatient  thought ;  for  this  indulged^ 
may  teach  you  to  murmur  and  repine.  Your 
great  security  depends  on  loving  God,  and  serv- 
ing him  with  your  whole  soul :  thus  will  you  be 
preparing  for  heavenly  felicity,  and  ripening 
fast  for  the  kingdom  of  glory.  When,  therefore, 
you  look  forward  to  this  glorious  change,  it  must 
be  with  submission  to  the  will  of  God,  and  desiring 
to  know  and  do  every  thing  within  the  compass 
of  your  talents  to  promote  his  honour,  and  to 
accomplish  all  the  good  pleasure  of  his  will. 

It  is  delightful  to  the  Christian,  when  suffer- 
ing affliction,  to  reflect  that  very  soon  all  his 
sorrows  will  be  soothed,  when  death  is  swallowed 
up  in  victory.  The  approach  of  this  relentless 
tyrant  is  despoiled  of  terror  to  him  :  he  knows 
that  his  Redeemer  liveth,  and  that  he  has  con- 
quered death :  be  looks  to  the  last  scene  of 
dissolution  as  the  peaceful  avenue  leading  to 
eternal  happiness :  he  welcomes  the  approach 
of  his  kindest  friend,  and  he  sinks  into  his  arms 
with  calm  composure,  "  in  sure  and  certain  hope 
of  a  resurrection  unto  life  eternal." 

How  kind  a  Saviour,  thus  to  have  spoiled 
death  of  its  sting,  to  have  softened  all  its  terrors, 
to  have  rendered  its  approach  desirable !  How 
gracious  to  have  removed  those  nearest  friends, 
to  have  left  whom  would  have  clouded  the  last 
lingering  moments  of  life ;  but  who,  as  they  are 


214   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

gone  before  us,  now  serve  to  call  our  affections 
to  heaven,  and  to  render  the  prospect  of  dissolu- 
tion most  welcome !  Now,  indeed,  death  triumphs 
over  all  your  dearest  comforts;  it  has  robbed 
you  of  your  richest  and  purest  earthly  treasure ; 
it  has  laid  your  hopes  in  the  dust ;  has  exhibited 
the  fallacy  of  your  anticipations  of  immediate 
futurity  by  the  removal  of  him  who  was  your 
guide  and  comfort  during  the  gloomy,  darkened 
hours  you  spent  on  earth.  Yet  remember  that 
he  exhibited  only  a  borrowed  light  reflected  from 
the  Sun  of  Righteousness;  and  that  he  is  now 
gone  to  illuminate  another  hemisphere,  and  to 
shine  in  realms  of  glory.  Soon,  very  soon,  the 
day  shall  break  upon  you ;  the  day-star  shall 
dawn  upon  your  heart,  and  the  Sun  of  Righteous- 
ness shall  arise  with  healing  in  his  wings,  give 
you  peace,  and  guide  you  to  immortal  glory. 
Soon  you  shall  triumph  over  the  last  enemy ! 
Death  shall  be  swallowed  up  in  victory !  Now, 
indeed,  you  are  under  its  influence;  but  you  will 
ere  long  escape  its  power.  Now  he  causes  you 
to  feel  his  iron  sway;  but  when  he  aims  the  fatal 
shaft  which  is  to  take  you  from  life,  he  will  find 
he  has  no  power  but  on  the  body:  the  spirit  will 
wing  its  flight  to  realms  of  day :  and  though  the 
poor  remains  of  what  once  was  animate  may 
moulder  into  dust,  yet  soon,  from  the  ashes  of 
this  beauteous  frame,  will  arise  a  more  beautiful, 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  GONSOLATION.   215 

glorious,  and  spiritual  body  ;  which,  at  the  last 
resurrection,  shall  be  again  united  to  the  soul, 
and  awake  triumphant  from  the  chains  of  death : 
*'for  flesh  and  blood  cannot  inherit  the  kingdom 
of  God ;  neither  doth  corruption  inherit  incor- 
ruption." 

This  union  will  take  place  in  a  state  of  purity. 
The  soul  will  be  perfected,  its  perceptions  ren- 
dered acute,  and  its  capacities  enlarged  to  taste 
its  fulness  of  joy.  No  care,  no  sorrow,  no  per- 
plexity will  have  admission  there ;  there  will  be 
no  difference  of  opinion,  no  necessity  for  the 
exercise  of  forbearance,  no  indulgence  of  de- 
praved principles,  no  sin,  no  unbelief,  no  coldness 
of  affection  towards  God ;  but  all  will  be  love ! 
No  longer  disturbed  by  trials  and  solicitudes,  we 
shall  "  rest  unmolested"  in  the  bosom  of  our 
God  and  Saviour. 

This  happiness  will  be  as  everlasting  as  it  is 
perfect.  It  will  endure  to  all  eternity;  and 
when  countless  years  shall  have  passed  away, 
when  the  power  of  numbers  shall,  by  the  utmost 
stretch  of  finite  capacity,  be  exhausted,  eternity 
will  be  but  begun.  There  will  be  no  interrup- 
tion of  blessedness,  for  every  possible  cause  of 
infelicity  will  be  remov^ed.  There  will  be  no 
more  parting.  A  thousand  accidents  on  earth, 
prevent  the  enjoyment  of  friendship's  balm,  se- 
parate those  whose  hearts  are  united,  and  cir- 


216   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

€umscribe  the  exercise  of  the  affections.  There 
€very  conceivable  facility  will  be  afforded  to 
the  eternal  growth  of  celestial  love ;  love,  ever 
on  the  increase;  adding  to  the  solid  pleasures 
of  the  inhabitants  of  heaven,  and  filling  up  the 
unlimited  measure  of  their  pure  and  peaceful 
hoars.  There  will  be  no  death  there  ;  noic  the 
cause  of  our  severest  wo,  but,  as  we  shall  then 
see,  only  the  friendly  harbinger  of  everlasting 
joy.  From  this  last  enemy  we  shall  then  be 
free,  and  happy  in  the  knowledge  that  nothing 
can  invade  our  peace. 

Whilst  on  earth,  if  a  transient  gleam  of  joy 
flit  across  our  lives,  it  is  embittered  by  the  im- 
mediate prospect  of  succeeding  wo,  and  the 
extreme  uncertainty  attending  the  continuance 
of  our  enjoyments.  We  can  never  be  free  from 
pain  in  possession  or  anticipated  reversion.  But 
there  we  shall  have  no  present  thought  but  love, 
no  prospect  but  of  inviolable  security.  Sheltered 
from  every  storm,  we  shall  repose  under  the  tree 
of  life,  and  hymn  the  praises  of  the  Lamb,  say- 
ing, "  Worthy  is  the  Lamb  that  was  slain,  to 
receive  power,  and  riches,  and  wisdom,  and 
strength,  and  honour,  and  glory,  and  blessing." 
There  shall  we  be  "  before  tlie  throne  of  God, 
and  serve  him  day  and  night  in  his  temple ;  and 
He  that  sitteth  on  the  throne  shall  dwell  among 
them.      They   shall   hunger    no   more,    neither 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   217 

shall  they  thirst  any  more;  neither  shall  the 
sun  light  on  them,  nor  any  heat.  For  the 
Lamb  which  is  in  the  midst  of  the  throne  shall 
feed  them,  and  shall  lead  them  unto  living 
fountains  of  waters ;  and  God  shall  wipe  away 
all  tears  from  their  eyes." 

With  these  glorious  prospects  opening  upon 
his  inquiring  view,  the  Christian  will  be  consoled, 
the  mourner  will  be  comforted  and  upheld,  he 
will  no  longer  contemplate  the  pallid  lifeless 
corpse  as  the  last  dull  remains  of  all  his  happi- 
ness :  he  will  no  longer  confine  his  view  to  the 
grave,  which  will  soon  shroud  even  this  beloved 
relic  from  his  sight :  but  he  will  look  forward  to 
the  infinite  joys  which  are  beyond  his  ken,  and 
far  exceed  his  utmost  conceptions.  He  will  fix 
his  eyes  on  those  glories  which  are  now  in  the 
possession  of  his  departed  relative.  He  will  no 
longer  dwell  with  sad  remembrance  on  the  ago- 
nizing scenes  which  were  the  precursors  and  the 
immediate  consequences  of  dissolution :  but  he 
will  follow  the  happy  spirit  to  heaven,  where  it 
is  adorned  w  ith  an  imperishable  crown  of  eternal 
life  and  glory ;  an  inheritance  incorruptible,  un- 
defiled,  and  which  fadeth  not  away.  He  looks 
at  the  deceased  as  now,  more  than  ever,  the 
object  of  his  affection,  because  more  beautiful 
and  excellent ;  he  recollects  with  unspeakable 
joy,  that  all  his  happiness  is  derived  from  an  un- 
19 


218   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

changing  fountain  of  peace  from  God  alone,  and 
from  the  fruition  of  his  immediate  presence  and 
blessing.  To  him,  every  source  of  uneasiness 
has  failed ;  the  heart  has  been  lightened  of  every 
sorrow  ;  every  anxiety  has  been  removed ;  not  a 
single  wish  unfulfilled,  not  a  want  unsuppHed, 
not  a  fear  remaining ;  every  imperfection  has  been 
entirely  done  away ;  and  every  affection  perfected 
to  love  and  serve  God,  to  know  and  do  his  will, 
to  live  to  his  praise.  The  mourner  will  no  longer 
delight  to  dwell  with  mortality  ;  but,  as  his  affec- 
tions will  be  fixed  on  heaven,  he  will  be  prepar- 
ing for  an  abundant  entrance  into  the  kingdom 
of  his  Father.  He  will  familiarize  himself  with 
death ;  will  seek  to  welcome  its  approach,  and 
desire  so  to  live,  that  he  may  die  in  the  arms  of 
his  Saviour.  He  will  labour  more  earnestly  after 
a  well-grounded  hope  of  his  salvation :  and  though 
he  may,  through  fear  of  death,  be  subject  to 
bondage  ;  though  he  may  dread  the  last  struggle, 
yet  he  places  all  his  hope  on  God  alone,  and 
trusts  in  him  for  support,  who  alone  can  give  it ; 
for,  when  the  flesh  and  heart  shall  fail,  God  shall 
be  his  support  and  stay,  and  his  portion  for 
eYer. 

And  after  all  wc  have  done,  we  fall  infinitely 
short  in  our  conceptions  of  the  glory  and  the 
happiness  of  heaven.  We  are  passing  through 
Immanuel's  land  to  mansions  in  the  sky:  and  if. 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   219 

with  faith  in  Uvely  exercise,  we  occasionally  catch 
a  distant  glimpse  of  the  joys  prepared  for  us,  still 
our  vision  is  obscured,  we  see  nothing  distinctly, 
and  our  most  fervent  anticipations  fall  far  short 
of  the  reahty.  We  perceive,  indeed,  enough  to 
engage  our  attention,  and  awaken  our  love  and 
desire.  Yet,  when  we  are  walking  through  the 
dark  valley  of  the  shadow  of  death,  perhaps  our 
prospects  partake  of  the  gloom  with  which  we 
are  surrounded,  and  we  can  scarcely  appreciate 
the  excellent  glory  to  be  revealed  in  us.  Soon,  the 
night  of  dissolution  will  pass  away  ;  we  are  ^Imost 
landing  on  the  blissful  shores  of  eternity ;  we 
shall  enter  into  the  rest  which  remaineth  for  the 
people  of  God ;  and  we  shall  find  ever  new  and 
increasing  objects  of  delight  crowd  upon  us,  and 
fill  us  with  admiration  and  joy  ten  thousand 
times  greater  than  we  could  have  conceived. 
May  we  prepare  for  that  rest!  and  may  Jesus 
put  underneath  us  his  everlasting  arms,  enable 
us  now  to  realize  its  glories,  and  finally  bring  us 
to  possess  its  unfading  felicities  ! 

It  is  the  surest  wisdom  to  lay  the  foundation 
of  our  consolation  in  God,  with  whom  we  can 
only  become  intimately  acquainted  by  perusing 
the  revelation  of  his  will.  Hence  the  afflicted 
will  come  to  this  source  of  solid  comfort,  and  will 
earnestly  and  humbly  seek  that  the  Spirit  of 
Grace   may  apply  its    consoling  promises,   its 


320   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

simple  precepts,  and  its  glorious  prospects  to  his 
heart,  and  lead  him  into  the  way  everlasting. 
Those  who  love  God,  who  walk  in  his  fear,  who 
are  partakers  of  his  salvation,  may  lay  claim  to, 
and  in  due  time  will  possess,  comfort  of  which 
the  stranger  must  be  ignorant.  They  will  enjoy 
peace  and  tranquillity ;  they  will  yield  themselves 
up  to  God  ;  and  in  so  doing,  they  will  prefer  an 
humble  claim  to  the  infinite  blessings  which  he 
has  in  store  for  those  who  are  his  people.  As 
obedient  children,  they  will  be  cherished,  support- 
ed, and  comforted :  they  will  enjoy  the  presence 
of  God,  and  some  sweet  anticipations  of  glory, 
which  will  allay  their  fears,  quiet  their  griefs, 
supply  them  with  an  antidote  to  impatience,  fill 
their  hearts  with  love  to  God,  and  give  them 
such  a  measure  of  joy  and  peace  in  believing  in 
Christ  Jesus,  as  will  more  than  compensate 
their  loss. 

With  this  view  the  Christian  mourner  will 
eagerly  consult  his  Bible,  and  desire  that  its 
spirit  may  be  infused  into  his  heart  and  life* 
He  will  find  instruction  suited  to  his  case  in 
almost  every  page  ;  and  if  he  be  anxious  to  pro- 
fit, he  will  not  labour  in  vain.  Its  promises  to 
the  aflliicted  will  prominently  attract  his  notice. 
Here  he  will  be  encouraged,  by  the  tender  care 
of  Jehovah  for  his  sorrowing  children,  by  the 
kind  support  he  engages  to  aflford,  and  by  the 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       221 

inestimable  benefits  with  which  he  covenants  to 
crown  those  who  wait  for  his  blessing :  promises, 
evincing  the  tender  mercy  and  loving-kindness  of 
God,  fitted  for  eveivy  changing  scene,  and  adapted 
to  comfort  and  support  under  the  most  painful 
circumstances.  Yet  he  will  remember  that  these 
promises  are  made  only  to  those  who  obey  God, 
and  keep  his  commandments ;  he  will  be  careful 
not  to  appropriate  them  to  himself,  unless  he 
can  trace  an  unfeigned  desire  to  yield  up  the 
whole  heart  to  him,  whose  it  is,  and  who  demands 
its  homage.  He  will  studiously  examine  the  pre- 
ceptive parts  of  Holy  Writ,  and  desire  that  his 
feelings  and  his  conduct  may  correspond  with 
its  principles.  He  will  equally  delight  in  those 
passages  which  demand  the  submission  of  the 
heart,  as  in  those  which  bind  up  the  broken- 
hearted, and  proclaim  peace  and  security  to  the 
wretched.  He  will  be  equally  comforted  by 
obedience  to  his  heavenly  Father,  as  by  appro- 
priating the  supports  which  he  has  afforded.  He 
will  not  take  a  partial  view  of  the  revealed  will 
of  God ;  for  he  will  be  anxious  not  to  mistake  on 
a  subject  so  important,  nor  lose  the  benefit 
arising  from  his  sufferings.  He  will  desire,  first, 
conformity  to  the  spirit,  and  tone,  and  temper  of 
the  Bible,  and  then  will  anxiously  wait,  expect, 
and  plead  for  peace  and  comfort. 

A  few  passaires  of  Sacred  Writ  are  subjoined. 
19* 


222   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

with  the  view  principally  of  rousing  the  mourner 
to  inquire  and  diligently  to  search  the  Scriptures. 
*'  But  when  they  in  their  trouble  did  turn  unto 
the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  and  sought  him,  he  was 
found  of  them.  Although  afflictien  cometh  not 
forth  of  the  dust,  neither  doth  trouble  spring  out 
of  the  ground ;  yet  man  is  born  unto  trouble,  as 
the  sparks  fly  upward.  Man  that  is  born  of  a 
woman  is  of  few  days,  and  full  of  trouble.  They 
cause  the  cry  of  the  poor  to  come  unto  him,  and 
he  heareth  the  cry  of  the  afflicted.  When  he 
giveth  quietness,  who  then  can  make  trouble? 
and  when  he  hideth  his  face,  who  then  can 
behold  him  ?  whether  it  be  done  against  a  nation, 
or  against  a  man  only.  Behold,  happy  is  the 
man  whom  God  correctcth:  therefore  despise 
not  thou  the  chastening  of  the  Almighty :  for  he 
maketh  sore,  and  bindeth  up :  he  woundeth,  and 
his  hands  make  whole.  He  shall  deliver  thee 
in  six  troubles :  yea,  in  seven  there  shall  no  evil 
touch  thee.  If,  when  evil  cometh  upon  us,  as  the 
sword,  judgment,  or  pestilence,  or  famine,  we 
stand  before  this  house,  and  in  thy  presence, 
(for  thy  name  is  in  this  house,)  and  cry  unto 
thee  in  our  affliction,  then  thou  wilt  hear  and 
help.  And  when  he  was  in  affliction,  he  be- 
sought the  Lord  his  God,  and  humbled  himself 
greatly  before  the  God  of  his  fathers,  and  prayed 
unto  him:   and  he  was  entreated  of  him,  and 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.      223 

heard  his  supphcation,  and  brought  him  again 
to  Jerusalem  into  his  kingdom.    Then  Manasseh 
knew  that  the  Lord  he  was  God.     And  he  shall 
judge  the  world  in  righteousness,  he  shall  mi- 
nister judgment  to  the  people  in  uprightness. 
The  Lord  also  will  be  a  refuge  for  the  oppressed, 
a  refuge  in  times  of  trouble.      And  they  that 
know  thy  name  will  put  their  trust  in  thee  :  for 
thou.  Lord,  hast  not  forsaken  them  that  seek 
thee.     For  this  shall  every  one  that  is  godly  pray 
unto  thee  in  a  time  when  thou  mayest  be  found : 
surely  in  the  floods  of  great  waters  they  shall  not 
come  nigh  unto  him.    Thou  art  my  hiding-place ; 
thou  shalt  preserve  me  from  trouble ;  thou  shalt 
compass  me  about  with  songs  of  deliverance. 
I  will  instruct  thee,  and  teach  thee  in  the  way 
which  thou  shalt  go  :  I  will  guide  thee  with  mine 
eye.     Many  sorrows  shall  be  to  the  wicked  ;  but 
he  that  trusteth  in  the  Lord,  mercy  shall  compass 
him  about.     But  the  salvation  of  the  righteous 
is  of  the  Lord:  he  is  their  strength  in  the  time 
of  trouble.     And  the  Lord  shall  help  them,  and 
deliver  them  :  he  shall  deliver  them  from   the 
wicked,  and  save  them,  because  they  trust  in  him. 
Blessed  is  he  that  considereth  the  poor :  the  Lord 
w^ill  deliver  him  in  time  of  trouble.     The  Lord 
will  strengthen  him  upon  the  bed  of  languishing : 
thou  wilt  make  all  his  bed  in  his  sickness.     For 
in  the  time  of  trouble  he  shall  hide  me  in  his 


224      ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION, 

pavilion ;  in  the  secret  of  his  tabernacle  shall  he 
hide  me ;  he  shall  set  me  up  upon  a  rock.  God  is 
our  refuge  and  strength,  a  very  present  help  in 
trouble.  Then  they  cried  unto  the  Lord  in  their 
trouble,  and  he  delivered  them  out  of  their  dis- 
tresses. He  forgetteth  not  the  cry  of  the  humble. 
Though  I  walk  in  the  midst  of  trouble,  thou  vt^ilt 
revive  me:  thou  shalt  stretch  forth  thy  hand 
against  the  wrath  of  mine  enemies,  and  thy  right 
hand  shall  save  me.  I  know  that  the  Lord  will 
maintain  the  cause  of  the  afflicted,  and  the  right 
of  the  poor.  This  is  my  comfort  in  my  affliction : 
for  thy  word  hath  quickened  me.  Before  I  was 
afflicted  I  went  astray  :  but  now  have  I  kept  thy 
word.  I  know,  O  Lord,  that  thy  judgments  are 
right,  and  that  thou  in  faithfulness  hast  afflicted 
me.  Let,  I  pray  thee,  thy  merciful  kindness  be 
for  my  comfort,  according  to  thy  word  unto  thy 
servant.  And  it  shall  come  to  pass  in  the  day 
that  the  Lord  shall  give  thee  rest  from  thy  sor- 
row, and  from  thy  fear,  and  from  the  hard 
bondage  wherein  thou  wast  made  to  serve,  &c. 
And  the  ransomed  of  the  Lord  shall  return,  and 
co.me  to  Zion  with  songs  and  everlasting  joy 
upon  their  heads :  they  shall  obtain  joy  and 
gladness,  and  sorrow  and  sighing  shall  flee 
away.  Behold,  I  have  refined  thee,  but  not  with 
silver;  1  have  chosen  thee  in  the  furnace  of 
affliction.     Sing,  O  heavens  ;  and  be  joyful,  O 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF   CONSOLATION.        225 

earth;  and  break  forth  into  singing,  O  moun- 
tains :  for  the  Lord  hath  comforted  his  people, 
and  will  have  mercy  upon  his  afflicted.  Who 
is  among  you  that  feareth  the  Lord,  that  obeyeth 
the  voice  of  his  servant,  that  v*^alketh  in  dark- 
ness, and  hath  no  light  ?  let  him  trust  in  the 
name  of  the  Lord,  and  stay  upon  his  God.  In 
all  their  affliction  he  was  afflicted,  and  the  angel 
of  his  presence  saved  them:  in  his  love  and 
in  his  pity  lie  redeemed  them  ;  and  he  bare 
them,  and  carried  them  all  the  days  of  old.  But 
though  he  cause  grief,  yet  will  he  have  com- 
passion according  to  the  multitude  of  his  mercies. 
In  that  day,  saith  the  Lord,  will  I  assemble  her 
that  halteth,  and  I  will  gather  her  that  is  driven 
out,  and  her  that  I  have  afflicted  ;  and  I  will 
make  her  that  halted  a  remnant,  and  her  that 
was  cast  far  off  a  strong  nation :  and  the  Lord 
shall  reign  over  them  in  Mount  Zion  from  hence- 
forth, even  for  ever.  Verily,  verily,  I  say  unto 
you,  that  ye  shall  weep  and  lament,  but  the 
world  shall  rejoice :  and  ye  shall  be  sorrowful, 
but  your  sorrow  shall  be  turned  into  joy.  But 
I  would  not  have  you  to  be  ignorant,  brethren, 
concerning  them  which  are  asleep,  that  ye 
sorrow  not,  even  as  others  which  have  no  hope. 
Choosing  rather  to  suffer  affliction  with  the 
people  of  God,  than  to  enjoy  the  pleasures  of  sin 


226   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

for  a  season :  for  he  had  respect  unto  the  re- 
compence  of  the  reward.  Is  any  among  you 
afflicted?  let  him  pray.  Humble  yourselves  in 
the  sight  of  the  Lord,  and  he  shall  lift  you  up. 
He  shall  cover  thee  with  his  feathers,  and  under 
his  wings  shalt  thou  trust :  his  truth  shall  be  thy 
shield  and  buckler.  I  know  the  thoughts  that  I 
think  toward  you,  saith  the  Lord,  thoughts  of 
peace,  and  not  of  evil,  to  give  you  an  expected 
end.  Then  shall  ye  call  upon  me,  and  ye  shall 
go  and  pray  unto  me,  and  I  will  hearken  unto 
you.  And  ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me.  The 
righteous  cry,  and  the  Lord  heareth  them,  and 
delivereth  them  out  of  all  their  troubles.  How 
excellent  is  thy  loving-kindness,  O  God !  there- 
fore the  children  of  men  put  their  trust  under 
the  shadow  of  thy  wings.  They  shall  be  abun- 
dantly satisfied  with  the  fatness  of  thy  house; 
and  thou  shalt  make  them  drink  of  the  rivers  of 
thy  pleasure.  Hold  thou  me  up,  and  I  shall  be 
safe :  and  I  will  have  respect  unto  thy  statutes 
continually.  If  ye  endure  chastening,  God 
dealeth  with  you  as  with  sons :  for  what  son  is 
he  whom  the  father  chasteneth  not  ?  In  return- 
ing and  rest  shall  ye  be  saved ;  in  quietness  and 
confidence  shall  be  your  strength.  In  the  fear 
of  the  Lord  is  strong  confidence.  For  I  the 
Lord  thy  God  will  hold  thy  right  hand,  and  thou 


«i\  THE  SOURCES  OF  COiNSOLATION.       227 

ahalt  rejoice  in  the  Lord,  and  shalt  glory  in  the 
Holy  One  of  Israel."* 

But  once  more — prayer  is  a  source  of  conso- 
lation, and  the  best  support  under  every  sorrow. 
The  surest  way  to  obtain  peace  of  mind,  is  to 
come  to  God,  the  never-failing  fountain  of  hap- 
piness, and  to  entreat  it  of  him.  Prayer  is  the 
medium  of  communication  between  the  soul  and 
its  God,  between  earth  and  heaven:  and  it 
serves  at  once  to  purify  the  desires,  enlarge  the 
understanding,  and  exalt  the  alFections ;  while  it 
ensures  a  rich  supply  of  blessing  from  above. 
This  is  a  source  of  comfort,  which  can  never  be 
taken  from  us.  We  may  always  pray.  And 
we  shall  find  that  we  are  able  to  derive  strength 
and  support  from  this  exercise,  when  we  are 
incapable  of  appreciating  the  value  of  other 
sources  of  consolation. 

When  our  hearts  are  overwhelmed  with  grief, 
when  the  anguish  of  our  souls  is  too  grievous  to 
be  borne,  and  we  are  almost  ready  to  curse  the 
day  of  our  bii'th ;  when  our  minds  are  restless, 

*  2  Chron.  xv.  4.     Job  v.  6,  7 ;  xiv.  1 ;  xxxiv,  28,  29 ;  v.  17— 

19.  2  Chron.  xx.  9;  xxxiii.  12,  13.  Psa.  ix.  8—10;  xxxii.  6—8, 
10;  xxxvii.39,40;  xli.  1;  xxvii.5;  xlvi.  1;  cvii,  6;  ix.  12;  cxxx\'iii. 
7;  cxl.  12;  cxix.  50,  67,  75,  76.  Isa.  xiv.  3;  xxxv.  10;  xlviii.  10; 
xlix.  13;  1.  10;  Lxiii.  9.     Lam.  iii.  32.     Micah  iv.  6,  7.  John  xvi. 

20.  1  Thess.  iv.  13.  Heb.  xi.  25,  26.  James  v.  13;  iv.  10.  Psa. 
xci.  4  Jer.  xxix.  11—13.  Psa.  xxxiv.  17;  xxxvi.  7,  8;  cxix.  117. 
Heb.  xii.  7.    Isa.  xxx.  15.     Prov.  xiv.  26.     Isa.  xli.  13.  16. 


228   ON  THE  SOURCES  OP  CONSOLATION. 

and  disturbed  by  embittered  retrospects,  and 
fearful  gloomy  prospects ;  when  anxiety  sweeps 
away  every  other  barrier  that  would  oppose  its 
progress,  and  we  are  left  destitute  of  earthly 
hope,  in  the  most  trying,  agitating  moments, 
God  is  with  us,  and  he  can  give  us  peace.  To 
Him  then  we  can  go,  and  seeking  his  support 
and  blessing,  in  confessing  our  sins  and  en*- 
treating  their  pardon  through  Christ  Jesus,  in 
devoting  ourselves  entirely  to  him  and  submit- 
ting our  will  to  his,  in  holding  communion  with 
the  Father  of  our  spirits  and  reviewing  the  gen- 
tleness, kindness,  and  necessity  of  his  dealings 
with  us,  in  prayer  and  praise  to  him  we  shall 
obtain  peace.  The  ray  of  divine  light  which 
emanates  from  the  throne  of  omniscient  love,  in 
passing  to  the  uplifted  eye  of  humble  confidence, 
though  it  may  be  refracted  by  the  tear  of  sorrow, 
or  dimmed  by  the  morbid  hue  of  despair,  yet 
forms  its  characteristic  image  on  the  mind,  and 
gradually  leads  the  aching  heart  to  composure 
and  dependence  upon  God,  to  a  quiet  submission 
to  his  dispensations. 

The  exercise  of  prayer  has  an  amazing  in- 
fluence in  composing  the  agitated  bosom.  The 
heart  which  now  throbs  with  the  tumultuous 
heaving  of  a  sorrow  which  knows  no  alleviation, 
will  presently  become  calm ;  it  will  look  to  God, 
and  exclaim,  "  Thou  demandest  the  heart,  and 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.       229 

mine  thou  shalt  have,  O  Lord."  Prayer  hushes 
to  repose  the  contending  passions  of  humanity. 
The  fear  of  God,  the  tenderest  love  for  lost 
relatives,  the  deepest  sorrow,  serve  to  lead  the 
mind  to  a  compassionate  Father,  Saviour,  and 
Shepherd,  rather  than  divert  it  from  him.  The 
aifections,  instead  of  wandering  over  the  dear 
lost  objects  of  creature  attachment,  and  fixing 
on  every  agonizing  circumstance,  are  led  simply 
to  the  Deity,  and  rest  in  his  goodness  and  infinite 
love,  rather  than  on  any  thing  short  of  an  object 
so  supremely  glorious. 

Prayer  contributes  in  a  great  degree  to  raise 
the   soul  from  earth,  to  engage  the   mind   in 
spiritual  pursuits,  and  by  repeated  exereise  to 
strengthen  faith  and   love  in   a   crucified  Re- 
deemer, and  to  elevate  our  hopes  and  prospects 
to  the  salvation  he  has  accomplished,  and  the 
blessings  he  has  promised  to  those  who  follow 
him  through  evil  and  good  report.     Let  us  then 
come  boldly  to  a  throne  of  grace,  that  we  may 
be  strengthened  and  find  grace  to  help  in  every 
time  of  need.     Whatever  we  require  for  our 
daily  exigencies,    and   whatever   extraordinary 
comforts  our  situation  demands,  are  all  treasured 
up  in  God,  and  our  Saviour  Jesus  Christ ;   and 
are  communicated  to  us  in  answer  to  fervent 
prayer,   since  for  all  these  things  will  God  be 
inquired   of  by  the  house  of  Israel.     It  is  by 
20 


230   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

prayer  that  we  hold  communion  with  God,  and 
prefer  our  humble  claim  to  the  consolations  of 
his  grace ;  that  we  gain  immediate  access  to  the 
Father,  and  are  enabled  to  plead  the  fulfilment 
of  his  gracious  promises  in  our  peculiar  cir- 
cumstances. And  farther,  when,  in  approaching 
God,  we  lay  open  our  whole  souls  at  the  foot- 
stool of  his  mercy;  when  we  cast  our  burdens 
upon  the  Lord,  and  confess  all  our  troubles  to 
Him  who  is  infinitely  able  and  willing  to  advance 
our  best  interests ;  we  feel  peculiar  composure 
from  the  assurance  that  he  is  entirely  acquainted 
with  our  necessities,  that  he  watches  over  our 
concerns  with  tender  care,  that  he  is  able  to 
succour,  and  will  enable  us  to  bear  every  trial ; 
that  he  will  purify  us,  accept  us,  and  grant  us 
his  reviving  presence. 

When  we  thus  approach  God,  as  our  last  and 
only  refuge,  we  are  earnestly  concerned  that 
our  hearts  may  be  animated  with  a  fervent 
desire  of  seeking,  loving,  and  worshipping  him; 
that  no  unsanctified  wish  may  present  itself  to 
our  minds,  in  opposition  to  his  will ;  that  we 
may  entertain  the  conviction,  that  all  our  com- 
forts are  derived  from  him,  and  that  our  hearts 
may  be  animated  with  lively  gratitude  towards 
him.  Thus  we  are  kept  active,  are  constantly 
reminded  of  our  duty,  and  find  that  in  serving 
God  there  is  great  delight. 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   231 

It  is,  however,  necessary  that  the  heart  should 
be  warmed  with  a  sense  of  its  own  immediate 
interest  in  the  blessing  it  asks  for;  and  that  it 
should  entertain  exalted  views  of  Jehovah's  cha- 
racter as  the  father  and  the  friend  of  his  people: 
for,  without  some  confidence  in   his   goodness, 
some  hope  in  his  favour,  the  mind  will  be  occu- 
pied by  a  thousand  cares,  which  will  disturb  its 
attention,  divert  its  views  from  heaven  to  earth, 
and  fix  its  thoughts  on  self,  rather  than  on  its 
Creator  and  Preserver.     This  consideration  will 
prevent  our  praying  but  v/ith  submission  to  the 
appointments  of  Omnipotence;  and  will  fill  us 
with  a  deep  sense  of  our  own  ignorance  and  in- 
digence, accompanied  with  a  conviction  that  our 
sufficiency  is  of  God  alone,  a  genuine  confession 
of  our  sinfulness,  and  humble,  earnest  petition 
for  pardon  and  acceptance. 

Prayer  under  affliction  is  a  peculiar  duty, 
and  an  evidence  of  our  desire  of  living  entirely 
to  the  glory  of  God.  To  the  sincere  exercise 
of  this  duty  is  annexed  a  promise  of  infinite  and 
eternal  good.  "Call  upon  me  in  the  day  of 
trouble.  I  will  deliver  thee,  and  thou  shalt 
glorify  me.  Ask,  and  it  shall  be  given  you: 
seek,  and  ye  shall  find :  knock,  and  it  shall  be 
opened  unto  you.  He  will  fulfil  the  desire  of 
them  that  fear  him."* 

*Psa.  I.  15.     Matt.  vii.  7.     Psa.  cxlv.  19. 


232   ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

In  our  approaches  to  the  throne  of  God,  we 
are  encouraged  by  the  promise  of  his  Spirit,  who 
teacheth  us  how  to  pray,  who.  intercedeth  for  iis 
with  groanings  which  cannot  be  uttered;  and  by 
the  permission  to  present  our  petitions  in  the 
name  and  for  the  sake  of  Jesus  Christ  our  Lord, 
whom  God  hath  given  to  be  our  Mediator,  Ad- 
vocate, and  Intercessor ;  through  whom,  as  our 
High  Priest,  we  have  access  to  God  within  the 
vail ;  w  ho  sprinkles  our  services  with  his  atoning 
blood,  and  will  finally  present  us  without  spot 
or  wrinkle,  before  the  throne  of  his  glory,  with 
exceeding  joy. 

Again :  when  we  present  our  petitions  to  God, 
and  approach  him  with  the  sacrifice  of  praise 
and  thanksgiving,  we  acknowledge  our  entire 
dependence  upon  him,  and  we  commit  ourselves 
and  our  concerns  entirely  to  his  guidance,  dis- 
posal, and  government.  "  In  every  thing,  by 
"  prayer  and  supplication,  let  your  requests  be 
made  known  unto  God."  In  so  doing,  the  mind 
acquires  confidence  in  his  goodness,  while  at  the 
same  time  it  is  relieved  from  the  cares  and  per- 
plexities of  arranging  its  own  concerns.  The 
mourner  leaves  himself  in  the  arms  of  an  all- 
wise  and  compassionate  Saviour,  and  is  happy. 
He  enters  into  his  closet  in  the  dark  season  of 
afl[liction,  and  having  shut  the  door,  he  prays  to 
his  heavenly  Father  which  is  in  secretj  assured 


ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION.   233 

that  his  Father  which  seeth  in  secret,  will  reward 
him  openly. 

Prayer  teaches  us  submission.  We  pray  ta 
be  enabled  to  yield  ourselves  to  his  will ;  that  he 
would  govern  us  in  the  way  most  conducive  to 
Jiis  glory  and  our  own  everlasting  good;  that 
our  hearts  and  minds  may  be  renewed ;  that  we 
may  know  no  other  desire  than  that  of  acquies- 
cence in  his  disposal ;  that  we  may  be  led  by  his 
Spirit,  to  do  whatever  he  enjoins,  and  carefully 
to  avoid  whatever  he  disapproves;  that  we  may 
be  reheved  from  excessive  care  about  our  pre_ 
sent  welfare,  and  be  brought  to  wait  patiently 
upon  God,  for  the  infinitely  superior  blessings, 
he  has  to  bestow. 

To  those  who  humbly  wait  upon  him,  will  God 
grant  abundance  in  poverty,  and  consolation  in 
the  deepest  affliction.  For,  though  our  friends 
and  dearest  comforts  are  snatched  away  by 
death,  yet  God  will  not  forsake  us :  he  will  not 
despise  the  cry  of  the  humble,  contrite  spirit,  nor 
disappoint  his  prayer.  He  will  draw  us  to 
himself,  and  will  amply  compensate  the  loss  we 
have  sustained  in  others,  since  he  comprehends 
in  himself  every  blessing ;  since  he  sustains  to 
his  people  the  most  endearing  relations,  and  will 
reveal  to  us  the  gracious  wisdom  of  his  designs, 
at  that  day  when  his  kingdom  will  be  fully 
manifested.     Thus,  in  waiting  upon  God,  there 


234      ON  THE  SOURCES  OF  CONSOLATION. 

is  great  reward,  and  in  communion  with  him 
there  is  abundant  consolation,  and  a  good  hope, 
through  grace,  of  an  eternal  inheritance  with  the 
saints  in  light.  Thus  has  a  wise  and  gracious 
Father  provided  the  richest  consolations  for  his 
suffering  children,  to  support  them  in  their  dark- 
est hour,  and  to  enable  them  to  rejoice  with  joy 
unspeakable  and  full  of  glory,  as  they  approach 
nearer  the  termination  of  their  pilgrimage. 
Thus  is  the  name  of  the  Lord  a  strong  tower, 
into  which  the  righteous  runneth  and  is  safe. 

And  now,  my  dear  friend,  having  completed 
my  design,  and  with  the  earnest  prayer  that  the 
Author  of  benevolence  would  smile  on  this 
humble  attempt,  .  *'  I  commend  you  to  God, 
and  to  the  word  of  his  grace,  which  is  able  to 
build  you  up,  and  to  give  you  an  inheritance 
among  all  them  which  are  sanctified.  And  now 
unto  Him  that  is  able  to  keep  you  from  falling, 
and  to  present  you  faultless  before  the  presence 
of  his  glory  with  exceeding  joy,  to  the  only  wise 
God  our  Saviour,  be  glory  and  majesty,  dominion 
and  power,  both  now  and  ever.     Amen."* 

*  Acts  XX.  32.    Jade  24,  25 


THE  END. 


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